29 September 2016-The National Nutrition Council XII staff participated in the Tree Growing activity as part of the Regional Development Council XII Day Celebration. About 200 participants coming from the different agencies and various sectors in the region joined the said activity having NEDA RO XII as the secretariat. The participants braved the bad weather condition assembling at around 5 o’clock in the morning at Gaisano Mall Grounds. A total of 400 saplings of Mahogany were planted in separate areas of El Gawel, Brgy Saravia, Koronadal City. Brgy. Captain Gregorio Presga graced the occasion with emphasis that the tree growing activity was very much beneficial in support with the conservation of Koronadal city’s watershed forest reserve which is primarily located in their barangay.
Meanwhile, this act of planting a tree helps the environment in so many ways such as producing oxygen which filters pollutants to clean the air, and provides shelter for wild life even in times brought by natural catastrophes.

In addition, some trees have the bonus of eventually bearing fruit, and as a result, providing food for the family and in the community. It also provides shade to keep a cool environment, thus, reducing energy costs. Trees also help preserve water levels in the soil, which recycles water in the ecosystem and prevents erosion.
Hence, the participation of NNC XII to such activity does not only intensify the ties with other government agencies but more importantly to help promote social responsibility and awareness toward making natural environment more habitable and protecting earth resources which are vital to our existence. BY: DANAH PEARL G. AUREL