BALO-I, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--Some 16 youths from the municipality here are at the forefront in the battle for environmental protection.

This, following their participation in the tree planting activity spearheaded by the 55th Engineer “Mobilizer” Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) Saturday, November 13, at the watershed area of the National Power Corporation’s Agus 5 hydroelectric plant.

The brigade has earlier stated that it is engaging the youth in its environmental activity, recognizing them as potent factors to triumphantly uphold their advocacy on nurturing nature.

“We are involving the youth because they are our sharper pen na mapalaganap nila [to carry out] [the advocacy] in the municipality of Balo-i,” said the brigade’s TSG Celso Bantolo.

Committee on Finance and Appropriations Chair Municipal Councilor Jamaloding Usman Mamad further stressed that the youths’ presence was magnified in the event as it is particularly for them, considering this as a good avenue to showcase their efforts for a good cause. 

As the fight to preserve the environment is still ongoing, he continued to call on the remaining teens in the town to partake in relevant activities as it will significantly help in preventing unfortunate incidents that may happen in the future.

“Para sa mga youth natin and also to our constituents, hinihikayat namin kayo na magparticipate sa ganitong activity. Pwede rin natin simulan sa ating mga sarili, sa ating mga bahay na magtanim ng mga plant and tree para sa future natin, pangontra sa mga kalamidad na darating in the future,” said Usman.

[To our youths here and also to our constituents, we are encouraging you to participate in this kind of activity. You can also start in yourselves, in our houses wherein we grow plants and trees for our future, for our defense against calamities which may happen in the future.] (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Norte)