DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao — As the world marks the International Day of Forests today, March 21, it is worth considering that there are several grounds to be grateful for forests and that even if people never spend time with them, it always keeps humanity healthy.
With its theme, “Healthy Forests for Healthy People,” the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) – BARMM took part in honoring the celebration by planting trees at Sitio Lomboy, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao, Philippines.
“The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food on our table. These are all coming from the forest. Let us not forget how we depend on its services and the medicine we take to regain our health,” Abdul-Jalil S. Umngan, Forest Management Services (FMS) Director, underscored in his speech.
Director Umngan also accentuated the importance of taking care of the forests from the perspective of Islam through a Hadith from Imam Bukhari, which says, “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (Sadaqah) for him.”
Director Umngan believes that addressing it was because of how heavily influenced he is by his faith.
“We are in unison to protect the last bastion of the war we are fighting and combat the impact of climate change,” he concluded.
The International Day of Forests was celebrated for the third time since the BARMM was established.
“This is a very indispensable day for each of us, not only for the foresters but all sectors of government; men in uniform, Philippine National Police (PNP), we from MENRE,” Lauban S. Abdul, Provincial ENRE Officer – Maguindanao, said.
PENREO Abdul believes that the forest is the air-conditioner of the earth. Breathing forest air can reduce anxiety due to the volatile compounds trees release. Moreover, according to him, growing trees is a powerful tool to mitigate the effects of climate change.
On the right hand, the significant activity included Barangay Awang, DOS, Kagawad, Deciado C. Catan, Sergeant Geril Madria, representing Alpha Company 6IB, and Deputy Director, Masaslim M. Ulangkaya (INF) PA.
“Our part here is for everyone’s security, and if they need to haul seedlings, we can carry them using our vehicles,” Sergeant Madria said.
On the other hand, Major Ulangkaya encourages everyone in the event to plant fruit-bearing trees as it benefits not just oxygen but food. He said he advocates planting bamboo since it is one of the best species to prevent flooding.
Faisal U. Akmad, Chief of the Community-Based Forest Management Division, concluded the program.
All MENRE staff in attendance headed to the area where the seedlings will be planted. Manuel Amador Capin, Senior Forest Management Specialist, led the program.
The more developed the society grows, the more people must join forces to remember that they are part of nature and that their health and well-being depend on it. Everyone must act now to protect forests and guarantee their survival for their health and the health of future generations.
