Reservists, USJ-R students plant mangrove seedlings in Talisay

CEBU, Philippines - The 901st Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade of the Army Reserve Command and students of the University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) under the Reserve Officer Training Corps. (ROTC)  yesterday morning planted mangrove seedlings and cleaned the coastal area in barangay Dumlog, Talisay City.

The group was composed of 50 Philippine Army reservists and 300 students.

Lieutenant Colonel Guy Santos Fidencio Gabison, reserve Philippine Army and assistant commandant of USJR told The Freeman yesterday that the activity was part of the environment program of the Philippine Army.

Gawad Kalinga, Korean and Japanese students also joined yesterday’s activity.

 Gabison said that they planted 3,000 mangrove seedlings. The seedlings came from the Naval Forces Central (NAVFORCEN).

Gabison said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources had suggested the place where the seedlings could be planted.

After the planting, the group started cleaning the coastal area, gathering 15 sacks of garbage, comprising mostly of plastic materials.

The garbage came from other barangays.

Dumlog chief Charles Basillote sent the barangay garbage truck to collect the garbage.

He said Dumlog is one of the endangered coastal barangays.

Aside from preserving the environment the 901st Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade also conducted medical missions, free legal advice, and notary services, book reading for children, feeding, and haircuts.

Gabison said their aim is to help the local government render services to the community.

The group is scheduled to visit barangay Bagakay, one of the mountain barangays in Toledo City.

He said that last July they brought its civic action program to barangay Ibo, Toledo City and to Tabuelan town last August.  (FREEMAN)