In honor of World Bamboo Day, the local government of Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte, took an important step towards environmental care by planting 500 bamboo saplings. This initiative not only supports the environment but also aims to create new job opportunities for the community.
Around 206 volunteers participated in the planting event, including members from government offices and local agencies. They gathered in the barangays of New Dapitan, Tolon, and Napilan to contribute to this green effort.
Mayor Marissa Manigsaca expressed the town’s commitment to bamboo as a sustainable resource. Rizal, she noted, faces significant risks from flooding, landslides, and soil liquefaction. These challenges are amplified by climate change, which leads to unpredictable weather patterns. “We need to adopt solutions that not only minimize risks but also benefit our economy and ecology,” she said.
The bamboo species used is Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper), known for its rapid growth and strong roots. These qualities make it effective in preventing soil erosion and combating climate change by absorbing carbon.
More than just an environmental project, this effort includes plans for demo farms on at-risk slopes and idle lands. The robust roots of the bamboo will help stabilize the soil, offering protection against landslides and flooding.
Looking ahead, the Rizal local government aims to expand these bamboo plantations further. They plan to develop bamboo products that add value and enhance community livelihoods while also evaluating environmental impacts. Mayor Manigsaca emphasized, “Our framework aligns with climate action goals for ecological balance and sustainable water usage.”
In recent surveys, bamboo’s potential for economic growth and environmental resilience is becoming more recognized, especially in areas prone to climate-related disasters. This awareness is part of a growing trend in many communities aiming to incorporate sustainable practices.
By focusing on bamboo, Rizal is not just taking a stand against climate challenges but is also paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for its residents.
Learn more about the impact of bamboo on sustainability here.
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World Bamboo Day Philippines,Rizal Zamboanga del Norte,bamboo climate resilience
