January 22, 2011

LAKE BALINSASAYO, NEGROS ORIENTAL, PHILIPPINES - The Silliman University School of Public Affairs and Governance in partnership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Kapatirang Watchdog Lodge no.1, and Ang Sandigan organized an environmental activity consisting of lectures about the environment and a tree planting as answer to climate change and degradation of Philippines forests.

Brother Anatoly Karpov Buss, a local environmentalist and currently teaching at the School of Public Affairs and Governance, believe that environmentalism such as tree planting and clean-up drives be practiced and promoted. And that, the government, youth and other sectors should work together to mitigate the negative effects of deforestation and climate change.

The day was started with three lectures about the natural water systems, causes and the degree of deforestation which was shocking. It was mentioned that more than 90% of the forests are already gone. Therefore, there is a need of planting more trees.

The day was then concluded by planting trees in the location. It was a success!