Around 650 folks from Ronda, Cebu braved the early morning cold winds to participate in the recently held Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines by running and planting native tree species in their town. Led by Ronda Mayor Mariano Blanco III, participants—municipal officials and employees, teachers, parents, students, and volunteer-professionals—came in green shirts. They gathered at the town hall at 5 a.m. and ran to the planting site in Barangay Butong to plant some 3,200 native tree species and fruit tree seedlings.

“We want to contribute to the sequestration of carbon dioxide by developing forests in this part of the country and promote a healthier environment for the next generation. We are collaborating with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Cebu Provincial Government to develop real forests. This is why we joined the Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines,” Municipal Agricultural Officer Lilibeth Montaño said.

The Municipality of Ronda will be coordinating with RAFI in monitoring the planted native tree seedlings and ensuring that they develop into vibrant forests. At the same time, the municipality will continue to support the Provincial Government’s greening efforts by executing the town’s solid waste management system.

The Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines is an initiative under the GREENIN Philippines (Generation REdemption and Expansion of Natural resources INitiatives in the Philippines) Program of RAFI. The program’s strategies and approaches are holistic, focusing more on tree-growing and post-planting activities to ensure the survival of the native trees planted and the growth of vibrant forests.

GREENIN Philippines Program is a program under the Integrated Development focus area of RAFI, addressing the foundations needed to develop successful communities. Its other focus areas include Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Culture & Heritage, Leadership & Citizenship, and Education.

For more information about the GREENIN Philippines Program, please contact 418-7234 loc. 519 and look for Neil Papas or Myryl Mendoza.