Flora joins CSC-Apayao’s ‘Tree Growing for a Cause’; over 1,000 trees planted in Bagutong

Flora, Apayao –  Flora LGU, led by Mayor Rodolfo Juan and Vice Mayor Jeofrey Blas, participated in the tree growing for a cause in Bagutong on September 18 - one of highlights of 124th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary celebration in the province.

Mayor Juan, in an interview, said he was delighted that the CSC-Apayao selected Flora as the place where the ‘Tree Growing for a Cause’ be conducted, in which Flora LGU employees and chiefs, heads, as well as personnel of various line agencies also joined.

The “Tree Growing for a Cause,” according to Regional Director III Ruben Wacas of CSC-CAR who graced the ceremony, aims to support environmental preservation at the same time to provide aid to civil servants who die while performing their duties.

“It is called tree growing for a cause kasi may registration fee yung mga magplaplant ng trees na P250.00. And the 20% will go to the operational cost and the rest para sa PLBi funding to aid government employees in cases of death while performing their duties,” explained Wacas, adding that the activity becomes more meaningful as civil servants don’t just plant trees but also help others in need.

The Pamanang Lingkod Bayani (PLBi) Program of the CSC seeks to recognize civilian public servants who risked their lives and were killed in the line of duty, or those who died while carrying out their functions. CSC says it is a tribute to those who lost their lives in the name of public service.

Under these, the benefits given include a certificate of recognition, a one-time financial assistance of P100,000.00, and scholarship for the children of the killed or slain government civilian servant.

The regional director is hopeful the over 1000 trees planted won’t be left to fend for themselves as their partnership with Flora LGU and other agencies will assure monitoring and growth of those trees, emphasizing that the need for more trees is becoming more evident with the rising temperature and impacts of climate change in the country and the world.

Mayor Rodolfo Juan, in an interview, committed his support to environmental preservation relaying the efforts of Flora LGU and its workforce.

“Importante ti natural resource tayo, ti environment tayo, and we need to work together to protect the environment as our environment will protect us in return. Agmula tayo pay ti ado nga kay-kayo and have a sense of accountability ta datayo met laeng ti agnumar at the same time mapasublian nu bay-bay-an tayo ti lugar tayo,” said the Mayor.

Over 300 employees from various government line agencies and LGUs in the province of Apayao participated in said event.

The participants demonstrated positive response to the activity with some saying it should be done every month in every municipality in order to see more impact in years to come.