Planting hope for the future: Laguna Water partners with CENROs in protecting the environment

Laguna Water answers the call of the local governments of Santa Rosa and Cabuyao to plant bamboo and kabuyaw trees for the environment's continuous protection. The Company adopted a portion of the 13-hectare coastal land in Brgy. Aplaya, Santa Rosa City, Laguna that the local government dedicated as a bamboo planting site. To kick-start the lifetime commitment, employee volunteers of Laguna Water initially planted 120 propagules on June 28, 2022.  

According to Engr. Maria Amor Salandanan, EnP., Head of the Santa Rosa City Environment and Natural Resources Office, planting bamboos in coastal areas proves beneficial. After a series of trials, we decided to plant fish pole bamboos in this area since these were found to be the most suitable by showing the highest survival rate. At the same time, bamboo also protects the lake since these prevent soil erosion and siltation while sequestering carbon in this part of the city. They are highly sustainable, and we also saw bamboos' potential in helping the livelihood of the local cooperative here in the area. Engr. Salandanan mentioned.    

Supporting the program is Laguna Governor Ramil L. Hernandez, who shared a message through Forester Erick Flores, Forest and Water Resources Management Division Head of the Laguna Provincial Environment and Resources Office. He conveyed that “protecting the environment will not be possible without the cooperation of everyone. It is important to verbalize our plans toward our goal, no matter how small or simple. These actions will help us in ensuring a better future for the generations to come.” (Translated)

This year’s bamboo planting with the Local Government of Santa Rosa City also marks the Company’s participation in the simultaneous planting activity of the Manila Water Enterprise to celebrate the Philippine Arbor Day and Environment Month. On the other hand, Cabuyao City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) headed by Engr. Manolo Punongbayan together with the Cabuyao River Protection Advocates (CaRPA) members, conducted the tree planting in Canlubang Golf to commemorate Cabuyao’s 10th cityhood anniversary on August 1, 2022. A simultaneous planting of the kabuyaw tree, where the city’s name originated, was also conducted in various institutions and landmarks, among which is Laguna Water’s facility in Matang Tubig Spring where two seedlings were planted.  

Another activity spearheaded by the group is a community engagement day in Brgy. Diezmo, Cabuyao  to support the International Coastal Cleanup Month where employees of member organizations and residents joined hands in a tree planting and community cleanup session. Laguna Water also hosted an interactive learning session about proper wastewater management and disposal. The combined efforts of the group assures that an integrated approach is adopted in protecting the Cabuyao River.    

 

< Back to News and Updates