SU and GXI celebrate reforestation success in Negros Oriental

Mangrove seedlings wait to be planted.

The Silliman University and G-Xchange, Inc. (SU-GXI) Reforestation in South Negros Project, led by Dr. Hilconida P. Calumpong, project coordinator and professor emeritus of the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS), held a distribution of Tree Planting certificates event to seven (7) partner People’s Organizations (POs), acknowledging their commitment to reforestation and the efforts of these local communities. The gathering took place on June 8, 2024, across seven (7) barangays in four (4) municipalities, marking a milestone in the ongoing environmental initiative in Negros Oriental.

Members of the Nagbalaye Women’s Association (NAWA) receive their Tree Planting Certificates from Dr. Hilconida P. Calumpong (third from right), project coordinator, and Dr. Pablina L. Cadiz (fourth from left), Blue Carbon Specialist, of the SU-GXI Reforestation in South Negros Project.

Dr. Calumpong, along with Dr. Pablina L. Cadiz, a Blue Carbon Specialist and also a faculty member of the IEMS, presented the certificates to PO members at various planting sites, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project.

The honored organizations included the Latason-Cabcab Fishermen’s Association (LACABFA), Si-it Bay Fisherfolk Organization (SBFA), Fatima Women’s Association (FWA), Nagbalaye Women’s Association (NAWA), Women’s Guba-Pasil Association (WGPA), Caranoche Mangrove Community Association (CMCA), and Cot-cot Trawlers Fisher’s Association (CTFA). Each group plays a vital role in promoting sustainable practices and supporting local ecosystems.

Members of the Cotcot Trawler Fisher’s Association (CTFA) in Brgy. Bongalonan, Basay receive their Tree Planting Certificates from Dr. Hilconida P. Calumpong (center), project coordinator, and Dr. Pablina L. Cadiz (fourth from right), Blue Carbon Specialist, of the SU-GXI Reforestation in South Negros Project.

The tree planting initiative spans seven (7) barangays, including Brgy. Mayabon in Zamboanguita, Brgy. Bongalonan in Basay, and Brgys. Fatima, Nagbalaye, Poblacion, and Caranoche in Sta. Catalina. This widespread effort aims to restore mangrove and beach forest ecosystems, which are crucial for environmental sustainability and local livelihoods.

Notably, the event saw participation from the presidents and members of the partner organizations, as well as students from STEWaRDS, a student organization affiliated with SU IEMS. Other representatives from SU during the activity included project members Floramae J. Neri, Field Operations coordinator; Dianne Mira A. Yap, researcher; and Clint G. Alvior, Logistics coordinator.

Members of the Latason-Cabcab Fisherfolk’s Association (LACABFA) in Brgy. Mayabon, Zamboanguita receive their Tree Planting Certificates from Dr. Hilconida P. Calumpong (right), project coordinator, and Dr. Pablina L. Cadiz (left), Blue Carbon Specialist, of the SU-GXI Reforestation in South Negros Project.

GXI, in parentship with SU, is on a mission to plant half a million mangrove and beach forest species across five municipalities in South Negros.

Over the past year, the project has successfully planted more than 80,000 seedlings, featuring diverse species such as Bitaog (Callophylum inophylum), Bilubituon (Barringtonia asiatica), Bakhaw-Bato (Rhizophora stylosa), Dungon (Heritiera littoralis), Pototan (Bruguiera cylindrica), Busaing (Bruguiera gymnorhiza), and Lapis-lapis (Ceriops decandra).

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Members of the Caranoche Mangrove Community Association (CMCA) in Brgy. Caranoche, Sta Catalina receive their Tree Planting Certificates from Dr. Hilconida P. Calumpong (left), project coordinator, and Dr. Pablina L. Cadiz (middle), Blue Carbon Specialist, of the SU-GXI Reforestation in South Negros Project.

Members of the Women’s Guba-Pasil Association (WGPA) in Brgy. Poblacion, Sta Catalina receive their Tree Planting Certificates from Dr. Hilconida P. Calumpong (middle), project coordinator, and Dr. Pablina L. Cadiz (right), Blue Carbon Specialist, of the SU-GXI Reforestation in South Negros Project.

Members of the Fatima Women’s Association (FWA) in Brgy. Fatima, Sta Catalina receive their Tree Planting Certificates from Dr. Hilconida P. Calumpong (fourth from right), project coordinator, and Dr. Pablina L. Cadiz (fourth from left), Blue Carbon Specialist, of the SU-GXI Reforestation in South Negros Project.

Members of the Si-it Bay Fisherfolk’s Association (SBFA) in Brgy. Si-it, Siaton receive their Tree Planting Certificates from Dr. Hilconida P. Calumpong (left), project coordinator, and Dr. Pablina L. Cadiz (second from left), Blue Carbon Specialist, of the SU-GXI Reforestation in South Negros Project.

(All photos were taken by Floramae J. Neri, SU-GXI Reforestation in South Negros Project Field Operations coordinator.)