KASIPAG PINAS (Kaagapay sa Simulain ng Pag-asa at Pag-unlad) of Santiago City banded together to plant seedlings and clean the surrounding areas of Barangay Sinsayon, Santiago City on Monday, October 3, 2022.
The activities were done as part of the KASIPAG PINAS (Kaagapay sa Simulain ng Pag-asa at Pag-unlad) program. It is a “joint effort of the Barangay Officers, church, and community towards a peaceful and progressive community.”
It showcased the efforts of the pro-environmental programs.
The KASIPAG Pinas were joined by civil society organizations (CSOs) greening initiative, and other volunteers.
The program started at around 7 a.m. They gathered at the Saint James Parish Church for the introduction and orientation before heading to the planting and clearing spots.
The activity focused on covering the area near the riverbanks in Barangay Sinsayon in Santiago City.
Participants were asked to bring their own gardening and cleaning tools and materials.
The clean-up and tree-planting drives aimed to proactively contribute to restoring and developing a healthy ecosystem within and around the river, particularly in reforesting previously-barren areas.
It also helped raise awareness on the importance of planting trees in reducing the harmful effects of global warming and climate change caused by excessive carbon-emissions.
The Santiago City local government headed by Councilor Arlene Alvarez Reyes has partnered with KASIPAG PINAS, CSOs and national agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to make the riverside blossom into a more vibrant eco-park.