BALINDONG, Lanao del Sur — In celebration of the 124th Anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service, the Civil Service Commission of Lanao del Sur (CSC-LDS) and the Provincial Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Office (PENREO) of Lanao del Sur jointly organized a ‘Tree Growing Activity for a Cause’ at Camp Pokta, Balindong, on September 19, 2024.

The event brought together Local Government Units (LGUs), government offices, and state colleges from Lanao del Sur, including representatives from the LGU of Balindong. Notable figures in attendance were CSC Director Sandra Arnica M. Usman, Director of CSC Field Office Lanao del Sur, Provincial ENRE Officer For. Asmarie M. Labao, and Provincial Government ENRO For. Pili Papandayan, whose leadership underscored the significance of this environmental initiative.

Participants worked together to plant 1,000 fruit and native tree seedlings, a tangible contribution to environmental preservation and sustainability. This joint effort not only celebrated public service but also aimed to leave a lasting positive impact on the environment and the local community.

Distinguished guests delivered inspiring speeches, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection and the power of collaboration. After the speeches, participants eagerly planted seedlings around Camp Pokta, digging, planting, and bonding over a shared mission. It was a clear display of unity, teamwork, and commitment among civil servants working towards a greener future.

“Today, tree growing was established in Mt. Gurain to showcase the beauty of Lake Lanao and support the biodiversity conservation in Gurain Range as an identified Key Biodiversity Area in the Philippines. This is also in support of the priority program of the ministry under the Bangsamoro Urban Forest for Ecological Restoration or BUFFER project, which promote mini-forests in the region. Collaboration and partnership are the keys to the success of this tree-growing activity,” PENREO Labao said.

This tree growing activity was a meaningful and memorable way to celebrate the 124th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, serving as a reminder of the strength of public service and the impact of working together for a common cause.