BAWD Tree Growing Activity – A Feast for Mount Kitanglad

BAWD Tree Growing Activity - A Feast for Mount Kitanglad

by Goldy Magbanua Herbas


Malaybalay City – The Malaybalay City Water District (MCWD) recently participated in a province-wide Tree Growing Festival on September 9-10, 2016 at Cinchona, Kaatuan, Lantapan and Lirongan, Talakag, Bukidnon, respectively.

This activity was organized by the Bukidnon Association of Water Districts (BAWD) in partnership with the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in planting a 3 ha. land with 3,000 seedlings consisting of Bamboo and Acacia Mangium.

MCWD as a member of the said association headed by General Manager Juanito “Jun” Aroa who is the immediate past president and founder of BAWD said that this 2-day event is a response to the self-imposed and commitment of water districts to develop and protect its sources and watershed.


Nearly 400 individuals participated coming from the different government agencies in Bukidnon namely LGU – Valencia City, LGU-Lantapan, LGU – Libona, PAMB, City Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENRO) of Malaybalay and Valencia City, FIBECO, Manupali Agri- Development Corporation (MADC), Mt.Kitanglad Agri-Venture Corpotation (MKAVI), Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Development Corporation (MKDC) and Indigenous People (IPs) of Lantapan.WD said that this 2-day event is a response to the self-imposed and commitment of water districts to develop and protect its sources and watershed.

Private corporations, civic organizations and various schools like Rotary Club of Metro Valencia, REBISCO, Unifrutti Philippines, Inc., Sumifru Philippines Corporation, Baroksystems Developers, IMS-CDO, Coca-Cola, Ratz Paper and Garments, Velox Energy Phils. Corporation, UFI-CSR, Petron Station, Philippines Guardians Brotherhood, Inc. Valencia City Chapter, SAWAGA Movement, IBA Technical School of Bukidnon, Central Mindanao University, Bukidnon State University, Valencia National High School and Lantapan National High School also joined the said festival.

This activity is a product of the collective efforts of the whole BAWD community headed by BAWD President Tomas C. Carumba, Jr., General Manager of Wao Water District and Committee on Environment Chair and Vice President, Ma. Socorro Ester R. Paluga, General Manager of Valencia City Water District together with the cooperation and support from all the water districts of Bukidnon – GM Rosemarie Agustin of Maramag Water District, GM Rogelio Pangan of Manolo Fortich Water District, GM Dominic Garcia of Don Carlos Water District, GM Ruel Padrequil of Cabanglasan Water District, GM Israel Beleno of Kibawe Water District, GM Nimrod Oro of Damulog Water District and GM Rafael Francisco of Quezon Water District.

General Manager Juanito “Jun” Aroa, said that there will be a periodic follow up of the planted trees to assure its survival. He called upon all sectors of society to join in tree growing activities to save our environment.