In celebration of Earth Day 2016, the US Embassy, SM Cares, the City of Antipolo, and the local government of Rizal held a bamboo planting activity at the HinulugangTaktak in Antipolo last April 22. The event is also in support of the Ynares Ecosystem Program (YES Program) of Governor Nini Ynares, which focuses on recycling, cleaning and regreening of the province of Rizal.
Around 300 volunteer families and employees from the US Embassy, SM Masinag, SM Taytay, SM Angono, and members of the local community banded together to help rejuvenate this old tourism destination. The US Embassy donated 1,000 bamboo saplings, augmenting SM’s donation of 6,000 from last year.
“We share the community’s goal of caring for HinulugangTaktak, which is a very important part of our history and culture,†said Liza Silerio, Program Director for SM Caresfor Environment and Sustainability. “We commend all the volunteers who generously gave their time and effort to join us today for this common cause.â€
Fully-grown bamboos that will be harvested in the future may be sold to the bamboo processing center in Cardona, Rizal under the supervision of the Department of Trade and Industry. Bamboo products that will be produced and sold will benefit the People’s Organization of the province.