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The Civil Service Commission (CSC) Apayao, together with partner agencies and local groups, carried out a tree planting and maintenance activity at the San Gregorio Watershed in Luna on March 4.
The activity is part of the CSC’s Adopt-A-Forest Program. Participants planted white lauan and narra seedlings sourced from the provincial nursery while also tending trees planted in earlier efforts. Maintenance work included weeding, brushing, and mulching to help improve the survival and growth of the seedlings.
The reforestation effort supports the Biosphere Reserve of the Apayaos (BRyA), which promotes the protection and sustainable management of forest and watershed areas in the province.
CSC Director II Ruthgail S. Balagso of CSC Kalinga–Apayao thanked the participating agencies and community members, noting the support of barangay residents and the Provincial Green Guards who joined the maintenance work.
She stressed that planting trees is only the first step and that sustained care is needed for the effort to succeed.
Balagso also pointed out the value of combining the practical experience of local farmers with the technical guidance of government personnel to improve reforestation work.
“Maybe this year the adoption of this forest program will be formalized — we have to put that into paper,” she said.
Participating groups included the Provincial Government of Apayao, DENR–CENRO Calanasan, DENR–PENRO Apayao, Barangay San Gregorio, the Luna Municipal Police Station, the local government units of Luna, Pudtol, and Santa Marcela, Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center (FNLGHTC), Apayao State College (ASC), the San Gregorio Watershed Association, and the Provincial Green Guards.
The activity carried the theme “Adopt-A-Forest: Planted Seeds of Service, Growing Roots of Unity,” highlighting cooperation among government offices, local communities, and partner institutions in protecting the province’s forests and watershed areas.
