Taking action in Poblacion, Borbon!

Blasert Force 568 Inc.'s push for its Environmental Protection & Conservation advocacy continued with a forum at Barangay Poblacion, Borbon on Wednesday, 17 April 2024. This activity is part of what the organization has been doing in Cebu City with support from the City Environment & Natural Resorces Office (CCENRO) headed by Mr. Reymarr Z. Hijara.

The forum was well attended by the Barangay Council led by its Chairperson, Hon. Ma. Theresa V. Carillo, Barangay Health Workers, Women's Group, Farmer's Group and other environmental advocates and enthusiasts.

We discussed the need for us to plant native trees to help mitigate the effects of climate change and global warming. Especially that the (Borbon) town is bereft of any natural forest cover, the more it becomes important, albeit very challenging, for the townsfolk to more than double its efforts in tree planting activities.

To optimize its economic benefits, we also discussed the opportunity of planting high-value Agar Trees (Aquilaria Malaccensis) which could bring enormous economic returns to the planters. We suggested for them to group themselves (thru their associations, cooperatives, etc.) to be able to acquire the Agar Tree seedlings.

Part of the discussion also include ways on how to reduce our electricity consumption thru the use of a wattage reducer gadget. Initially introduced by BF Cpt. Airen Areja (owner of Del General Merchandise & Del Mini-Mart), the program was articulated well by BF Cpt. Roswell D. Ardina, demonstrating the gadget's functions and citing several examples he experienced in other areas.

Before the forum ends, we gave each interested participant one (1) Ylang-Ylang seedling each, to be planted in their respective areas. We hope to be able to contribute to the greening & beautification of the Barangay and plant more trees in the months ahead. And we plan to run a competition on who's the best Ylang-Ylang (flower) producer and hold an annual Ylang-Ylang festival in the years ahead.

At the end of day, everyone walked out happy with the new knowledge and are looking forward to the opportunities and our future engagements with the Barangay. We hope to be able to do the same to other Barangays interested to collaborate with us on this endeavour.