GATTARAN, CAGAYAN - In support to the government's effort to rehabilitate the Cagayan River, the DILG Cagayan Provincial Office, represented by LGOOs II Renz Angelo Umambong and Kymverlie Mallo, participated in the "Seedlings of Hope" Launching Ceremony on February 1, 2020, in the Municipality of Gattaran, Cagayan. The "Seedlings of Hope" is a massive seedling program that will be implemented throughout the entire province as part of the holistic endeavor to rehabilitate the Cagayan River.

In his message, Cagayan Governor Manuel N. Mamba highlighted the importance of taking appropriate actions to rehabilitate the main river system in the region. He warned that many lives and livelihood will be affected if the problems of the Cagayan River will be ignored. Governor Mamba also shared his confidence that the province's forest reserves will be restored to its prime condition if the concerned government agencies and instrumentalities, including the LGUs, will be in a united front in environmental protection and preservation.

For many years, Cagayanos experience various calamities attributed to environmental degradation, such as massive flooding and landslides, which claimed many lives and caused the destruction of properties amounting to millions of pesos.

The representatives of the national government agencies and LGUs also signed a Manifesto of Commitment on the restoration of Cagayan River and its tributaries. (SOURCE: LGOO II RENZ ANGELO P. UMAMBONG)