GOLDSTREAM POCKET MINERS CONDUCT TREE PLANTING

August 31, 2024 Provincial

Sustaining environmental program

TUBA, Benguet

Goldstream Pocket Miners Association and their respective families recently conducted tree planting in various mountain sections in Barangay Camp 4 here. Some 800 pine tree and Kaliandra seedlings, sourced from Centro-Baguio were planted in an estimated five hectare area, offering breathtaking mountainous and rocky ridge lines, leading to a commanding view of the historic 119-year old Kennon Road .

Kennon road, named after American army Col.Lyman Kennon, who completed the project in 1905, costing to a total
of $1 million, paved the way for in establishing Baguio as a chartered city in 1909, and this year (2024) marked the 115th Charter Day celebration of the city , known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines. ‘Tree planting, one way
of our association and the community in preserving and protecting our environment, “ Kagawad Sandy Asmin said in
the vernacular, who is also the treasurer of the local pocket miners group headed by David Tomilas.

”It also to preserve the biodiversity of the mountain. Decades its been a source of drinking water for our community and for future generations.’ He stressed that their environmental efforts -tree planting – is also a way in protecting mountain slopes for possible landslides. The group’s activity is also in line with the environmental protection
efforts of the Municipality of Tuba, the Province of Benguet and national govern as well as the Benguet Federation of
Small-Scale Miners Inc. (BFSSMI).

Demonstrating true “Bayanihan Spirit” , several farmer groups, women and the youth sectors from the barangay participated in the one day activity. Last year , GoldStream Pocket Miners Association together with Sugalan Clan
Pocket Miners jointly conducted similar activity by planting different species mahogany, Melina, ipil-ipil and native bamboo in various sections of Sitios Balococ and Goldstream, inside the area being applied for Minahang Bayan (MB)by Sugalan Clan and Goldstream SSM, respectively.

Primo Agatep/ABN