“No tree, no climb” policy

CEBU, Philippines - Mountaineering enthusiasts gathered yesterday to launch an activity that hopes to achieve their aim of continuously climbing mountains that have well-preserved trees.

The mountaineers gathered near the historic Magellan’s Cross in Cebu City where they introduced “Takbundukan,” a program that encourages those who will be climbing mountains to plant trees as well.

This way, they get a different meaning to the usual nature trip by contributing to the reforestation efforts of the Philippine mountains, the group expressed.

The program is spearheaded by the National Coalition to Save the Trees, Inter Mountaineering Society (IMS), Cebu Mountaineers Alliance (CMA), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The coalition is represented by running priest Fr. Robert Reyes.

DENR Office of Special Concerns (OSC) chief William Ragos flew in from Manila to join the launch.

“The OSC handles advocacy campaigns and we decided to tap mountaineers because the mountains and trees are close to them. Since these are the very people who climb mountains, might as well maximize that and let them help in our greening program,” Ragos said.

Members of around 20 mountaineering groups brought with them yesterday seedlings and committed to heed the “no tree, no climb” policy from the participating mountaineering clubs.

The DENR is tasked to provide seedlings for interested mountaineers.

“We have been providing support to the ‘Takbundukan’ since its inception in 2011 by giving out free seedlings to a climber who wants to climb and plant a tree. We provide seedlings to those who want to join us in growing a tree and maintain those planted trees. We continue to support as long as it complements the programs of DENR. This project is in conformity to the national greening program, a massive reforestation effort of government,” read a statement by DENR-7 through its spokesperson Eddie Llamedo.

Apart from providing seedlings, DENR also extends technical assistance through lectures and identifies areas for planting, Ragos said. —  Jessa J. Agua/ATO (FREEMAN)