Plant a Tree & Contribute to the Environment's Biodiversity - Part III

Sunday, 14 July 2024 marked the 3rd time our organization embarked on a tree-growing activity at Sitio Mangga, Brgy. Bahay, Sibonga, Cebu. Forty two (42) B-Force Troopers travelled as far away from Borbon, Cebu participated in this activity planting 300 Molave & Narra Trees obtained from the Municipal Environment & Natural Resources Office (MENRO) in Argao, Cebu. Consolacion, Mandaue, Apas, Lahug, Pardo, Talisay City, San Fernando & Sibonga Commands and HQ staff also participated.

After planting the tree seedlings, the troops enjoyed their lunch under the mango tree, cowboy style (i.e. no tables & chairs, no spoon & fork). Everyone enjoyed the activity, had great fun bonding with fellow troopers, exchanging jokes and sharing stories.

After lunch, the group proceeded to MENRO's motorpool area at Brgy. Poblacion, Sibonga, Cebu where the next part of the activity was held. Founder/Chairman Kit Coronel started by thanking all the participants and discussed the importance of the role of the NGOs in community development. He then proceeded with explaining the various uses and benefits of ground coffee (as raw materials for compost, fertilizer, soil mix, pesticide, exfoliating skin, cleaning agent, etc.) which the organization obtained from the Cebu Business Park management thru Sir Gerald Oporto. Distribution of free used coffee grounds to all participants then followed.

The next part was a discussion on the Agar Tree propagation which not only formed part of our environmental protection and conservation advocacy but is also a part of our Project R.I.C.H. program designed to immensely benefit economically any member who joins

the program as explained by our Founder & Chairman.

Thereafter, BF Col. Reynald F. Baylon took the floor and explained how to reduce our electricity consumption thru the use of a simple gadget called "plug and save". This is important in that, not only it reduces our electricity bills payment but also contributes to the reduction of our greenhouse gas emission thru the reduction of our power consumption.

Wrapping up the day's activities is the enjoyment of having sumptuous snacks of boiled sweet potato and bananas dipped in salted anchovies. And more jokes, bonding and partaking of used coffee grounds for distribution to the farmers and other members of the group who were not present that day.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our friends in the Knights of Rizal - District 30 Chapter in New York, Eastern USA Region thru the efforts of Founder Sir Flo Coronel, KOR, Chapter Commander Sir Dave Llavanes, KCR and Sir Abe Pamolarco III, KOR. And also from one of our officers, BF Cpt. Airen Areja of Del Enterprises, Borbon, Cebu.

We vowed to continue to be doing this activity in the pursuit of our advocacy with collaboration from the various public & private sector partners. More to come soon! Thank you once again and more power to us all!