The provincial government of Sorsogon has planted and nurtured more than one million trees across the province over one year under its “Kalikasan” program to help fight climate change.

In a phone interview on Wednesday, Salvador Mendoza, Sorsogon provincial information office head, said the province surpassed its target to plant one million seedlings from May 15, 2022 to May 15, 2023.

“The cumulative total of seedlings reached an impressive 1,001,671 trees planted as of May 15, 2023,” Mendoza said.

Among the tree species planted in the different towns were narra, mahogany, molave, lapnisan, mangroves, bamboo, kakawate, pili, guyabano (soursop), rambutan, cacao, santol (cotton fruit), atis (sugar apple), langka (jackfruit), macopa, calamansi, and kasuy (cashew).

The areas where the trees were planted included Sorsogon City (150,763 trees); Casiguran (49,027); Juban (55,233); Irosin (124,147); Matnog (33,778); Magallanes (52,315); and Bulan (148,677).

Mendoza said these local government units (LGUs) actively participated in the program by setting up nurseries within their respective localities, contributing significantly to the initiative’s overall success.

“It’s a yearly goal for the province to plant one million tree seedlings throughout the province, ensuring the sustainability and long-term impact of the Kalikasan program. The Kalikasan program team is now focused on monitoring and ensuring (the) continuous growth and improvement of the trees,” he said.

In a statement, Governor Edwin Hamor thanked all those who participated in the Kalikasan program for their dedication and support.

He commended the mayors of the LGUs for their unwavering commitment to environmental protection and their important role in the success of the program.

“By planting one million tree seedlings, the province of Sorsogon shows a bright example of environmental protection and the positive impact that can be achieved through collective efforts,” Hamor said. (PNA)