The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), a Cebu-based NGO launched the 2012 “Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines” program recently at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Conference Room.
This year, 'Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines' is a running and planting activity which targets to plant 220,000 native tree seedlings on June 30 all over Cebu Province.
RAFI chief operating officer Dominica Chua said “the idea of this activity is not just to plant or for photo purposes, but to really grow trees to become forests. This will be held simultaneously in 50 municipalities and component cities in Cebu, making the event a province-wide endeavor."
'Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines," one of the components of the GREENIN Philippines Program, is a fun run and planting activity that provides a venue for every Filipino to contribute in rehabilitating and protecting our environment. It aims to expand the forest cover of the country.
The event is designed to promote healthy lifestyle by running and environment conservation by planting native tree species that will become vibrant forests in the next few years.
GREENIN Philippines Program, which stands for Generation REdemption and Expansion of Natural resources INitiatives in the Philippines Program, is one of the programs under RAFI's Integrated Development focus area.
It aims to replicate best practices in environmental protection, conservation, and rehabilitation to more places in the country for a greener Philippines.
In time of the celebration of Environment Month in June, the Cebu government issued an executive order mandating the implementation and institutionalization of 'Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines' throughout the province.
The organizer said the central event targets 7,500 participants to surpass the 5,000 target last year will be held in an eight-hectare forestland in Jaclupan, Talisay City.
The area will be planted with 20,000 native tree seedlings and will be developed into a forest model through a co-management agreement among DENR, Cebu Provincial Government, Talisay City government, and RAFI, Chua said.
To ensure the growth and survival of the native trees seedlings planted during the event, RAFI will initiate monthly nurturance activities with National Greening Program (NGP) partners and GREENIN Philippines Program volunteers.
The running activity will feature 3k (kilometres) only to allow more participants to join, regardless of age.
This event is in line with the national government’s National Greening Program and tied to DILG's Billion Trees Program under the NGP.
GREENIN Philippines Program is a program under the Integrated Development focus area of RAFI, addressing the foundations needed to develop successful communities.