Foreign Business Group, DOST held Tree Planting Day and MOA Signing

Tree-Planting Day was held inside the DOST Biodiversity Park last August 16, 2010, participated by members of the 7-country Foreign Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (FCCP) led by its President Ram Sitaldas of the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce. Joining this activity were the DOST contingents led by the newly-appointed DOST Secretary Mario Montejo and Assistant Secretary Mario Bravo, together with the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc (PCEPSDI) headed by former DENR secretaries Elisea Gozun and Victor Ramos.

Showcasing different flora and fauna, the 3-year old Biodiversity Park was chosen by the FCCP as their project site for some 100 indigenous tree species like Kamagong, Batino, and Kupang, to name a few. This is their group's corporate contribution for the conservation of biodiversity.

After the tree planting, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was formally signed between FCCP, PCEPSDI and DOST to forge their partnership in the 2-year periodic tree planting project, targeting other areas inside the huge Biodiversity Park. Under the MOA, FCCP, as the project holder, shall provide for the funds and logistical support while PCEPSDI, as co-holder, will provide technical assistance. DOST, as the beneficiary, will take charge of the maintenance of the planted areas. Prior to the MOA signing, insights on biodiversity conservation were shared by PCPSDI Chairperson Elisea Gozun, FCCP Committee on Environment Head Peteri Makitalo of the Finland Chamber of Commerce, and the DOST Secretary himself, Hon. Montejo. Brief video presentations of PCEPSDI and FCCP were also shown to the members of the media and invited guests.

DOST National Capital Region Chief Teresita Fortuna, the lead implementor of the DOST Biodiversity Park, together with PCEPSDI secretariat headed by its President and Executive Director June Alvarez, took charge of the land preparation, selection and purchase of saplings, and the ceremonial activity details.

This activity promotes environmental awareness for biodiversity conservation. Flash floods, polluted air, and animal species are threatened in the absence of trees. And planting of a single tree can create a thousand forests. This activity highly encourages people's involvement to be a part in saving the environment not only for the present benefits, but most importantly, for a greener and a more sustainable future.