TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - - There were already over 20,000 fruit-bearing tree seedlings planted in Sta Teresita, Cagayan as "legacy" to the environment by the scholars and individuals who are renewing their licenses and permits. 

Jefferey Tactac, information officer, said there were already 7,500 seedlings planted by the town's scholars; 9,530 by business operators; over 3,000 by public utility vehicle operators, over a thousand from the different government line agencies and civil society organizations, and there were also some by tourists.

He said it is stipulated in a municipal ordinance that public utility vehicles and business operators are obliged to plant trees as a requirement in renewing their permits and licenses while scholars need to help the local government unit in the re-greening program of the town. 

"The tourists who are visiting our town are also encouraged to plant one tree seddling each as a symbol of their commitment to help preserve and protect our environment," Tactac said.

On his part, Mayor Rodrigo P. De Gracia said the tree seedlings planted are considered "legacies" of the planters to help the town sustain its biodiversity potentials.

On the other hand, De Gracia said they temporary close their tourist destinations at the moment due to the travel restrictions imposed amid COVID-19 pandemic. 

The mayor said there were already 54 discovered, explored and mapped caves in the town which are now being prepared for tourism activities after the pandemic. 

De Gracia likewise revealed that the "Rambo" cave, which is the latest discovery in the town, is named after him as it is located within his property which he acquired when he was still a police captain. (OTB/PIA Cagayan)