The municipal government of Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte planted 500 bamboo saplings during the recent observance of World Bamboo Day, affirming its commitment to sustainability, climate resiliency, and livelihood development.
A total of 206 volunteers from government offices, civic groups, and security forces joined the reforestation drive in the barangays of New Dapitan, Tolon, and Napilan. Rizal Mayor Marissa Manigsaca said bamboo will serve as a nature-based solution to mitigate flooding, landslides, and other climate-related hazards while supporting local enterprise.
The reforestation introduced Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper), chosen for its fast growth, soil-binding root system, and potential in engineered bamboo industries. The species also contributes to carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.
Manigsaca added that bamboo demo farms and plantations will be expanded on riverbanks, slopes, and idle lands, aligned with the town’s climate action plan and its vision to become a hub for engineered bamboo production.
