Reforestation project attracts various sectors

ORANI, Bataan – The reforestation program of Orani Water District (OWD) in upland Tala watershed area is attracting the support of various sectors.

Aside from the water district officials and employees, the 4th year staging of the planting activity two weeks ago was joined by PNP, students, Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire and Protection, religious groups like Knight of Columbus and Mothers of Mary, employees of local companies, municipal officers and employees, barangay officials, environmentalists and common folks.

About 39,000 seedlings are already planted in the Tala watershed area for the past 4 years. The water district particularly planted tibig species.

OWD Manager Benni Andres earlier said that they are nurturing 28 hectares watershed area, which is part of Bataan National Park. He said they have very high batting average of the seedlings they planted. He added they prefer to plant tibig trees, which hold more water compared to other tree species. He said they hired 2 patrol personnel to guard and monitor the seedlings they planted.

In celebrating its anniversary every February for the past 4 years, OWD has been sponsoring fun run for a cause to raise funds for the water district’s reforestation program. Andres explained that their reforestation effort of the Tala watershed area aims to improve the water source under it. “We have to improve our source of water by reforesting watershed areas”, he stressed.