ISAVE launch LAKAD Part I to save Buaya River
By Naira Abigail Segui

(The Ilocos Sur Students as Vanguards of the Environment (ISAVE) takes historical memorabilia before starting the LAKAD Part I: Tree Planting Activity. Holding the banner are: (from left to right) Cris Jimenez, Christopher Valmoja, (activity coordinator and organizer), Sherwin Jimenez, LLamier Iloreta, and Mya Olivia Eischen. Also in photo are the residents of Brgy. Ubbog, Salcedo, Ilocos Sur. (Photo by Cris Jimenez; Text by NATS).

In celebration of Independence Day, the alumni members of the Ilocos Sur Students as Vanguards of the Environment (ISAVE) of the University of Northern Philippines-Vigan City have conducted tree planting activity dubbed as “Lingkod Alay sa Kalikasang Ating Dakila” (LAKAD), held at Brgy. Ubbog , Salcedo, Ilocos Sur. Said activity aims to protect the communities along the Buaya River and to promote environmental awarenesss through community-based and institutional sponsorship.

(The housewives resident of Brgy Ubbog temporarily left their household chores just to join the novel advocacy of the ISAVE in partnership with the Tanim Kalikasan Inc., DZTP Radio-Tirad Pass and K Servico. (Photo by Christopher Valmoja; Text by NATS)

(Punong Barangay Saturnino Towang (front with cap) led his constituent with the tree planting activity along the Buaya River, in Brgy. Ubbog, Salcedo, Ilocos Sur, which was identified as vulnerable to flooding during rainy seasons. (Photo by Christopher Valmoja & Cris Jimenez; Text by NATS)

The group was also joined by more than 50 residents of the said barangay, headed by Punong barangay Saturnino Towang. A total of 500 Bittaog trees were planted along the Buaya River, which was identified by the local government to be vulnerable for flooding and erosion.

In a conversation with Christopher Valmoja, the ISAVE Coordinator and organizer of the event, said that they have chosen the area because it was once eroded during the typhoon Feria. “…If you only see the area, there are many trees which was planted there, however it’s not yet enough. It needs more trees.” He even expressed his gratitude to his ISAVE co-members who respond to the advocacy and made themselves available for the activity despite their hectic work schedules. They were Llamier Iloreta, Mya Olivia Eischen, brothers Cris and Sherwin Jimenez. He added that he never imagined that the activity will be pushed through because it was just organized through facebook.

The said event turned successful with the cooperation of Tanim Kalikasan Foundation Inc.,-Sta Maria, who provided the 500 Bittaog seedlings, DZTP Radio Manager arlon Serdenia and K Servico Trade Inc.

The ISAVE will again conduct LAKAD Part on June 24, 2011 which will be initiated by the Local Government Unit of Salcedo, Ilocos Sur.