Planting Trees Remain a Necessity

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Threats such as erosion and illegal and destructive practices still threaten differents parts of the country, one of which is our watersheds. Tto name one, we have the Ipo Watershed located in Norzagaray, Bulacan, which supplies 96% of the water for Metro Manila.

“Now more than ever, we can see that protecting Ipo Watershed is vital not just because it ensures that there is a reliable water supply for Metro Manila, but because it keeps foreign diseases at bay. By protecting these forests, we reduce the chances of another pandemic,” says WWF-Philippines Forests for Water Project Manager Paolo Pagaduan. WWF-Philippines, together with its partners, has worked toward the protection and rehabilitation of Ipo Watershed since 2017.

Rambutan seedlings grown in a milk tea cups are just one of the few I've grown in used plastic cups. 

Rambutan is very easy and fast to grow. So don't throw away your fruit seeds. Plant them not for a "new normal" but for a "better normal"

Aside from Rambutan, I've also successfully grown avocadoes, mangoes, and sampaloc seedlings.

And though it may take years for a tree to fully grow before we could fully appreciate the benefits, true enough, we can start with the fruits that we eat by saving or planting them whenever there's an opportunity.

“More than ever, we need to ensure the health of this natural buffer, as well as the health and welfare of those who protect the forests for us,” continued Pagaduan.

“In this time of crisis, we are more relevant than ever, as more people are shifting to online and trying out digital platforms for their safety. “

Restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have made it difficult to continue with tree planting activities. Conservation organizations are currently exploring ways to proceed without endangering their staff.

They are also currently working on protocols that will allow forest rehabilitation work to continue without endangering local communities.

Support WWF-Philippines projects, and help #ChangeTheEnding as they pursue a sustainable future for all.