Scores join RAFI-sponsored run

CEBU, Philippines - More than 1,000 people joined the Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines 2012 to run and plant native tree species in the mountain barangay of Jaclupan, Talisay City.  

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), a Cebu-based non-government organization launched the 2012 “Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines” program.

It is a running and planting activity which targets to plant 220,000 native tree seedlings on June 30 all over Cebu Province. 

RAFI chief operating officer Dominica Chua said GREENIN Philippines Program, which stands for Generation REdemption and Expansion of Natural resources INitiatives in the Philippines Program, is one of the programs under RAFI’s Integrated Development focus area. 

Chua said “the idea of this activity is not just to plant or for photo purposes, but to really grow trees to become forests. This will be held simultaneously in 50 municipalities and component cities in Cebu, making the event a province-wide endeavor.” 

The program, which chose Cebu as pilot area, will be gradually implemented in the different regions in the country to ensure that it will be properly managed and implemented while building up relevant lessons and best practices.

The event is designed to promote healthy lifestyle by running and environment conservation by planting native tree species that will become vibrant forests in the next few years. 

It aims to replicate best practices in environmental protection, conservation, and rehabilitation to more places in the country for a greener Philippines. 

The area was planted with 20,000 native tree seedlings and will be developed into a forest model through a co-management agreement among DENR, Cebu Provincial Government, Talisay City government, and RAFI, Chua said. 

To ensure the growth and survival of the native trees seedlings planted during the event, RAFI will initiate monthly nurturance activities with National Greening Program (NGP) partners and GREENIN Philippines Program volunteers.