Gov leads seeding of hardwood species at Bataan Nat’l Park

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – Gov. Enrique "Tet" Garcia yesterday led the aerial seeding of more than 12 million seeds of hardwood species in seven towns in this city to reforest denuded mountains, specially areas of the Bataan National Park.

Speaking before government officials, Army and police officers at Camp Tolentino, police headquarters here, Garcia said the aerial seeding is considered one of the best methods of restoring the verdant forests Bataan once took pride of.

Garcia said the reforestation project covers 45 kilometers of the two famous mountains, Mt. Natib and Mariveles, which form the largest portion of the Bataan National Park. The seven towns are Abucay, Bagac, Mariveles, Pilar, Samal, Hermosa and Orion and the City of Balanga.

The provincial government allocated P2 million for the acquisition of hardwood seeds from the Aetas from the upland village of Bangkal, Abucay town, operational cost of Air Force helicopters aviation fuel, aerial survey and other expenses in the preparation of the project.

Garcia said the preservation and protection of the forest should be the concern of all residents to ensure balance of the ecological system for the welfare of the future generations. — Raffy Viray