JOSE RIZAL MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF LAW
Natural Resources and Environmental Law

REACTION PAPER

ERROL DELSONN M. TORTOLA

Tree Planting

On November 30, 2019 the Natural Resources and Environmental Law class in (NREL) had conducted a
Tree Planting Activity at the Cogon Eco Tourism Park, Dipolog City, spearheaded by the revered
environmental advocate Judge Deborah Nazario. The purpose the Tree Planting was to expose the
students to actual environmental set-up, see for ourselves the beauty of nature and to identify some
wildlife species that need protection and conservation. It was also mainly a way to contribute something
to the environment.

Several pertinent laws apply to the activity which is related to previous discussions in the class. One
noted is Republic Act No. 9512 otherwise known as the "Environmental Awareness and Education
Act of 2008" which is consistent with the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of
the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of
nature, and in recognition of the vital role of the youth in nation building and the role of
education to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total
human liberation and development, the State shall promote national awareness on the role of
natural resources in economic growth and the importance of environmental conservation and
ecological balance towards sustained national development. This law integrates environmental
education in school curricula at all levels, whether public or private, including in barangay
daycare, preschool, non-formal, technical vocational, professional level, indigenous learning and
out of school youth courses or programs.

RA 9512 provides that environmental education shall encompass environmental concepts - and
principles, environmental laws, the state of international and local environment, local
environmental best practices, the threats of environmental degradation and its impact on
human wellbeing, the responsibility of the citizenry to the environment and the value of
conservation, protection and rehabilitation of natural resources and the environment in the
context of sustainable development. It shall cover both theoretical and practicum modules
comprising of activities, projects, programs including, but not limited to, tree planting; waste
minimization, segregation, recycling and composting; freshwater and marine conservation;
forest management and conservation; relevant livelihood opportunities and economic benefits;
and other such programs and undertakings to aid the implementation of the different
environmental protection laws.

A more precise law on tree planting is Presidential Decree No. 953, REQUIRING THE PLANTING OF TREES
IN CERTAIN PLACES AND PENALIZING UNAUTHORIZED CUTTING, DESTRUCTION, DAMAGING AND
INJURING OF CERTAIN TREES, PLANTS AND VEGETATION. This law provides that the planting of trees on
lands adjoining the edge of rivers and creeks in both a measure of beautification and reforestation; and
the planting of trees along roads and areas intended for the common use of owners of lots in subdivisions
will provide shade and healthful environment therein.
The DENR-Order-2004-55 also provides the Implementing Rules and Regulations for RA 9147 otherwise
known as the ‘Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. It shall be the policy of the State to
conserve the country’s wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainability. In the pursuit of this policy,
this Act shall have the following objectives: (a) to conserve and protect wildlife species and their habitats
to promote ecological balance and enhance biological diversity; (b) to regulate the collection and trade of
wildlife; (c) to pursue, with due regard to the national interest, the Philippine commitment to international
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conventions, protection of wildlife and their habitats; and (d) to initiate or support scientific studies on the
conservation of biological diversity.
Tree Planting Activities in the Locality

A recent Tree Planting Activity was also conducted by some groups in Baragnay
Turno-Sinaman Bypass Road on November 20, 2019. The Group planted some 120
Narra saplings and mangrove seedlings along Dipolog River in Barangay Barra
and Minaog, Dipolog City. I was a group effort by the Dipolog City Eco Club,
Department of Education and the City Government of Dipolog.

Planning and Preparation

Before the actual Tree Planting, the class had been meticulously briefed and educated as regards to the
possibilities that the students might encounter in the Eco-park. The class set for an appointment from
the City Environment and Natural Resources Office for some free saplings for planting and to secure a
location on where to plant the trees. The office provided us with Yakal trees. The word yakal used be
associated with the tree whose scientific name is Hopea plagata (misspelled in old literature as Hopea
flagata). Today, the word is associated with the tree listed in scientific texts as Shorea astylosa. Shorea
astylosa is a species of plant in the Dipterocarpaceae family. It is endemic to the Philippines. A closely
related species from other parts of Southeast Asia — Shorea laevis — has also been referred to by wood
experts as yakal.

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The resinous wood’s color can range from yellow to golden red. It is a hard and golden mahogany type
frequently used products and surfaces. A high-grade timber, yakal can tolerate extreme hot and cold
weathers, so it is ideal for outdoor use as well 1. It is not uncommon to see this hardwood used for
woodcrafts such as furniture pieces (tables, chairs, daybeds…), as well as for art carvings.

We were required to bring tools such as gloves, hoes and shovels. Judge Nazario even brought her own
shovel to plan personally some trees. Several laws and regulation were enumerated and given emphasis
in order to be read before the actual planting. On the other hand, other matters like the food and
transportation were also being discussed and constantly being followed up for smooth implementation.
Planning and execution is the key.

Actual Tree Planting

On November 30 at 5:00AM, the class assembled in Mc Donalds Dipolog. We took our breakfast and
bought everybody’s lunch for the trip to Cogon, Eco Tourism Park which is about 20 kilometers away.

1 https://www.tagaloglang.com/yakal/
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Tree Planting Proper

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The group registered on the log book brought by the CENRO Officer and the Yakal saplings where turned
over to us. There were 50 saplings. I went ahead while bringing 6 of them and began planting on the very
edge. I managed to plant all six saplings. At the same time, I took photos of my classmates as they plant
their trees. The location provided was on the edge of a slope overlooking the highway just before the
entrance to the Cogon Eco park.

It was a wholesome experience. After the planting was done, we proceeded to the Eco Park where
various attractions await us. It was such a humbling experience being able to contribute to the
environment.

The class went to see the monkeys, hawks, sea birds, rabbits. The flora and fauna is very rich in this well-
conserved habitat. The trees are labeled and identified. Nothing more educational and helpful than
doing a tree planting activity at the Cogon Eco Park.

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The Sea hawk, recuperating being rescued from the wild. Some confuse it as bad eagle. But bald eagles
don’t exist in the Philippines. Sea hawk is significantly smaller than the latter.

The Rattan (from the Malay rotan) is the name for roughly 600 species of old world climbing palms
belonging to subfamily Calamoideae (from the Greek 'kálamos' = reed). It is found in abundance in
Cogon Eco Tourism Park.

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Keeping the fear inside as we cross the hanging bridge inside the Eco Park. A diversity of nature within
the City.

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Flowering Trees showcase their beauty by giving colors to the forest. A wonder to behold.

Rattan claws were the reason they can climb up trees despite less rigid frames. Some just crawl to the
ground in search for water and food.

The view of the trees from below just melts your environmentalist hearts.

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These photos are taken using Nikon D5300.

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." "In every walk
with nature one receives far more than he seeks." "Over every mountain there is a path,
although it may not be seen from the valley." "Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature."

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Thanks to these wonderful people that the amazing event was successfully implemented. NREL Class.

ERROL DELSONN M. TORTOLA

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