MARAWI CITY (PIA)--The Bangsamoro Government, through the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) launched, January 25, an integrated greening program that targeted urban areas and was piloted within the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC), here.

Dubbed "BUFFER," or Bangsamoro Urban Forest for Ecological Reforestation, the activity targets the growth of trees within BGC to promote an urban mini-forest and increase attraction for the Bangsamoro seat of the regional government.

"It has been the ministry’s responsibility to ensure that the Bangsamoro environment is protected and conserved, that our natural and energy resources are sustainably managed and developed. Through Integrated Bangsamoro Greening Program, we aim that the massive reforestation will be another strategy toward climate change mitigation and disaster risk reduction adaptation in the BARMM," MENRE Minister Akmad Brahim said.

Brahim added that they envision a government center that is eco-friendly and more pleasing to the eyes of the employees and visitors. We also hope this will install living legacies of different heads and officials, and may we instill in our hearts the value of love for our environment and promote collective environmental action as we pursue just and lasting peace," he added.

Meanwhile, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said the tree planting activity is part of promoting urbanized redemption of the integrated Bangsamoro greening program.

"This simple activity is not only symbolic but also a significant trait for the Bangsamoro in making sure that the environment is well taken care of. This is a move for us to achieve one of our 12-point priority agenda, which is a Bangsamoro that is disaster resilient and adaptive to climate change," the chief minister said.

He said they started in the BGC to show that they are serious about the effort and that it will also benefit the compound.

The Chief Minister also encouraged other ministries and Members of Parliament to follow suit. (BIO/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)