Sulu Garden Foundation launches Panay Re-Greening Project

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Sulu Garden Foundation, Inc. (SGF) successfully launched its inaugural project, “Re-Greening of Panay: Reforesting the Philippines, One Island at a Time,” on August 30, 2024.

In support of this environmental initiative, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the 301st “Bayanihan” Brigade and 61st “Hunter” Battalion, led by Brig. Gen. Michael G. Samson and Lt. Col. Arthuro Balgos, and the Bureau of Fire Protection Region 6, headed by Fire Senior Supt. Bartolome O. Beliran.

The “Re-Greening of Panay” project aims to mitigate global warming by reforesting approximately 200,000 hectares of denuded timberland on the island of Panay.

This is achieved using seedball technology, which encases seeds of native trees in clay to protect them from predators such as rodents, birds, and grazing animals.

These seedballs are dispersed during the dry season, and when rain falls, the clay dissolves, allowing the seeds to germinate in their new environment.

SGF scientists have developed improved mechanical seedball production methods and lighter clay compositions to facilitate faster dispersal by ground and aerial methods.

The Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion is providing resources and support for SGF’s reforestation efforts.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection is collaborating with SGF to address environmental issues and promote sustainable practices.

By combining expertise and resources, these three organizations are working together toward biodiversity conservation and forest restoration.

The formal launch of the “Re-Greening of Panay” project marks the first step in addressing the environmental challenges of restoring Panay’s forests and creating a more sustainable future.

Among the attendees at the launch were Lt. Col. Luisita Clavecillas (commander, 3rd Civil Military Operations Battalion); Vice Mayor Macario Napulan of Miag-ao; Dr. Joel A. Araquil Sr. (campus administrator, West Visayas State University, College of Forestry); Mr. Rod Reynan G. Laspinas (faculty, WVSU College of Forestry); Hon. Marc Joshua Tacsagon (LGU Tubungan); Ms. Emelyn Tano (PESO manager, LGU Tubungan); Ms. Liezl Ejeda (Philippine Information Agency); Dr. Mary Anne Sarrosa, MD (head, Hunter Peacemaker Team); Mr. Isidro Mosura (MENRO, LGU Miag-ao); Dr. Carmelo del Castillo (University of the Philippines Visayas); Marivic Buñag and Jojie Geveza (CENRO Guimbal). Officers of the Philippine Army and fire marshals from various towns in Iloilo Province were also present.

Private sector representatives included Mr. Raymond Tantiongco, Mr. William Fusin (WFusin Architects), Mr. Thibault Je (Belgian-Iloilo Construction Corporation), and Mr. Ompz Felicio (Miag-ao Mountaineering Group).