Project H E A R T - Part III
Restoration of Environment, Natural Resources, & Spiritual and Moral ValuesCreation of Bantay Barangay Sa Kinaiyahan (BBK) or Guardians of Nature
- Wanton Tree Destruction - The City Government cannot and will never allow any wanton destruction of the trees planted and nurtured by the barangays, knowing fully well the great role trees play for the economy and ecology.
- A group has to keep watch over these trees, not only those covered by BSSP but all other natural resources within the territorial domains of the city.
- Composed of 4,000 strong members representing the 45 full-fledged chapters from different barangays, BKK was officially organized to support BSSP. It serves as a watchdog of the trees and work for the preservation of the environment. It translates ecological concerns into action and subscribes to an integrated approach towards the attainment of genuine people empowerment believing in the power of organized people.
- Fish/Shellfish and Wildlife Sanctuary and Mangrove Expansion - Free gathering and catching of marine fauna is the major factor in the decline of fish catch in the locality especially in the tidal flats as indicated from personal interviews done to local fisher folks. Regulation is a must and a proper show-window be put up to instill in the minds of fishermen the need for proper conservation; hence this project was implemented. A test area of 5 hectares of heavily exploited tidal flats was developed initially along the coast of Barangay Mobod to ascertain the effect of sustainability. Today, the total area is 20 hectares and still growing. Presently, the average catch per unit time per fisherman doubled. The area is now a haven of marine flora and fauna and some migratory birds. Illegal fishing at the surrounding tidal flats is greatly minimized. The patches of denuded mangrove areas were rehabilitated.
- "Kawayan - Tanom Para Sa Suba Layawan ug Ubang Kasubaan, Kasapaan ug Katuburan"
- Layawan River is the source of the irrigation water supplying the 500-hectare rice field and the main source of water catering to different potable water sources including other related agricultural production ventures and fresh water fishing. It has been considered by both the people and the City Government as its main asset and vital resource, that is why many programs and projects have been directed to preserve, conserve and enhance the natural capability and productivity of the river like this one.
- Aptly called the poor man’s lumber, bamboo is considered a valuable and versatile non-timber forest product because of the wide variety of uses it offers. It is often used as material for low cost housing, handicraft, furniture and cottage industries. It is extensively used in the fishing industry for making rafts, fish traps, fishing rods, outriggers for bancas, props for fruit-bearing bananas and for musical instrument like the famous bamboo organ in Las Piñas. They are also found to be suitable for pulp and paper making because of its relatively long fiber. The young shoots of bamboo are edible and utilized commercially as vegetable food by most Filipinos.
- Bamboo is suitable for many uses besides being locally available. As one of the reforestation species, it helps control soil erosion and stabilizes riverbanks. It also helps preserve the ecological balance in the area where it is grown. This non-timber forest product is regarded in the country as one of the most indispensable material.
- Espirit De Corps or Bayanihan - With the sustained Barangay Self-Sufficiency Program (BSSP), the umbrella program of the city, people developed in them a positive outlook in life. Gradually, people realize that progress is hastened with the support and cooperation of everyone. "To each his own" attitude has no room in Oroquieta City.
- Oroquieta Council of Churches - this is a group composed of the different priests, pastors, ministers, church leaders in the city organized in 1992 and still going strong. It is our strong belief that even if we have diverse beliefs and religious principles, we still can co-exist and live harmoniously with our brothers and sisters and effect change and development together. Every December, this group spearheads the "Light A Tree" Program at the City Public Plaza.
By: Dr. Emerico L. Conol
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Sunday, November 17, 2002