Lanao del Norte plants seedlings for Environment Day

By Lorry V. Gabule

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte -- Around 5,000 seedlings were planted in Lanao del Norte as part of the provincial government’s observance of the Environment Month. 

Participants planted 2,000 giant bamboo and 3,000 mahogany seedlings along the one one-kilometer downstream in Barangay Bulod, Tubod town, Lanao del Norte in June 28.

Governor Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo and Lanao del Norte first district representative Imelda Q. Dimaporo led the tree planting.

Provincial, municipal and barangay officials, multi-sectors from the women, youth, non-government organizations, people’s organization, the Boys and Girls Scouts of the Philippines, the Armed Forces, Philippine National Police and other government agencies attended the tree-planting.

The Department of Education meanwhile sent the most number of participants.

Fifteen candidates for the Search for Miss Lanao del Norte 2012 also joined the tree-planting.

This year’s Environment Day kicked off with a program in the morning at the Kolambugan wharf. This town has been recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its Mariculture Park.

Gov. Dimaporo thanked his constituents and other government agencies for the full support they have been giving his administration in protecting the environment.

Officials from DENR Region 10 were among those who delivered messages, as the nation celebrates the Environment Month focusing on Green Economy and what does it mean to people.

Last year’s Environment Day was celebrated alongside of the Cathedral Falls, the tourist-destination site of Kapatagan town. It started with a program at the site followed by planting of 3,000 mahogany seedlings along the perimeter of the waterfalls, according to Ramon Serapio, provincial environment officer of Lanao del Norte local government unit.

The tree planting of the province goes with the government’s National Greening Program, to plant some 1.5 billion trees covering about 1.5 million hectares for a period of six years from 2011 to 2016.

This annual activity is in partnership with the Environment Office of Lanao del Norte-Provincial Government and the DENR-Provincial Environment Office (PENRO). 

Lantapan LGU lauds NFA’s intensified drive on I-Rice consumption

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon -- The local government unit (LGU) of Lantapan lauded the National Food Authority’s (NFA) intensified drive on Iron-Fortified Rice (I-Rice) consumption during the Diskwento Caravan and I-Rice cooking demonstration held in town. 

Mayor Godofredo I. Balansag said NFA’s drive on I-Rice consumption helped local folks understand why there is a need to use it.

“We should promote and patronize I-Rice because the National Nutrition Council and the Department of Health endorsed it. It has been proven effective in fighting anemia among children, pregnant and lactating mothers,” the mayor said during the town’s 44th Foundation Day ceremony.

At present, NFA accredited retail outlets nationwide are selling I-Rice at P27 a kilo.

Victoria R. Duray, provincial manager of NFA Bukidnon said, “We have sufficient supply of iron rice premix to produce I-Rice when needed.”

“Anytime the consumers and LGUs demand for I-Rice, NFA can assure you that these are ready and available,” she added.

NFA is tasked to fortify rice with iron in compliance to Republic Act No. 8976 known as “The Philippines Food Fortification Act of 2000.”

The government hopes that fortification of rice with iron will lessen the rising cases of anemia and help combat problems on micronutrient deficiency especially among school children. (RLRB, PIA/Maria Socorro S. Mellomida, NFA Bukidnon)