DFNN Hike and Tree Nurturing Activity 2019
DFNN, Inc., in coordination with the Balagbag Environmental Society, Inc. (B.E.S.I.) recently held its first day hike and tree nurturing activity in Mt. Balagbag last November 16, 2019. In line with DFNN’s ongoing sustainability program, the activity was led by the Sustainability Vanguards together with the Human Resources and Administration Department (HRAD).
Situated within the Ipo Watershed in Rodriguez, Rizal, Mt. Balagbag plays a critical role in the supply and distribution of clean water to the entirety of Metro Manila. However, Mt. Balagbag is currently under threat of deforestation due to uncontrolled and unauthorized activities such as illegal logging and land grabbing, imposing an immense risk to the water supply of over twelve (12) million residents of Metro Manila.
In the midst of deforestation, B.E.S.I., a non-stock and non-profit organization, is working closely with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to address one of our global climate change concerns. B.E.S.I. aims to help protect the remaining forest of Mt. Balagbag and Ipo Watershed by implementing reforestation initiatives such as tree planting, tree nurturing and continued surveillance of the protected area. B.E.S.I. coordinates with the DENR through the Bantay Gubat in the implementation of its activities. Bantay Gubat is a group of forest rangers tasked to patrol and protect the areas surrounding Ipo Dam.
Deviating from the common tree planting activity, B.E.S.I.’s tree nurturing activity involves not only planting seeds but also ensuring that each seedling is nourished and cultivated well enough to fully grow. A total of sixteen (16) employee-volunteers from DFNN and its subsidiaries participated in the hiking and tree nurturing activity. The volunteers started their ascent to Mt. Balagbag as early as six o’clock in the morning, finally arriving at the planting and nurturing area after a two-hour hike. Ms. Mary Grace Reyes, the president of B.E.S.I., briefed the volunteers before the official start of the tree nurturing activity.
Members of the Bantay Gubat showing the volunteers how to create the mini water system
Members of the Bantay Gubat showed the employee-volunteers the proper nurturing process which notably includes the creation of a miniature water storage system for seedlings made out of bamboo. This system allows for water to be stored inside the bamboo for at least three (3) days, thus effectively allotting the water supply and ensuring that seedlings are consistently watered.
A Bantay Gubat member demonstrating how to install the bamboo water storage
The planting and nurturing site of Mt. Balagbag
In action: DFNN volunteers in the planting and nurturing area of Mt. Balagbag
Young trees absorb carbon dioxide at a rate of six (6) kilos per tree each year. Trees reach their most productive stage of carbon storage at about ten (10) years at which point they are estimated to absorb twenty-two (22) kilos of carbon dioxide per year. Over fifty (50) seedlings were nurtured by the employee-volunteers during the two-hour activity. DFNN commits to regularly conduct tree nurturing activities in Mt. Balagbag not only monitor the progress of the reforestation but also to help ensure the protection of Metro Manila’s water supply for future generations.
DFNN donated basic food items and various tools to the Bantay Gubat rangers which would aid our forest heroes in the preservation of the area and their day-to-day life.
