DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, July 1 (PIA) -- Around 5,000 tree seedlings were planted within the watershed area of Brgy. Lunga, Valencia through the initiative of local water utility firm, Metro Dumaguete Water (MDW).

The move is line with MDW’s pledge to plant 7,000 trees within the year along the watershed area which supplies water to Dumaguete City.

“It is important that while we exert efforts in improving our services, we do not forget to protect our sources. Our watershed is crucial to sustain our current water supply. We are committed to implementing more sustainable programs with our partners as part of our commitments for the next 25 years,” MDW Chief Operating Officer David Berba said.

MDW Media Relations Officer Kathleen Ricardo said the 5,000 is the accumulated number of trees that were planted by MDW in the said watershed area since it started its operation in February.

“As partners with DCWD in ensuring the sustainability of water supply, MDW established a team focused on reforesting and propagating and monitoring the growth of the trees at the Lunga Watershed,” she added.

The utility firm has committed to strengthen partnerships with the local government units and the community through its health and safety and environmental corporate social responsibility programs.

MDW is a joint venture between Metro Pacific Water and Dumaguete City Water District. (RAL/PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from Kathleen Ricardo, MDW)