Biak na Bato was the impenetrable natural fortress of the Katipuneros and the one-time seat of the revolutionary government. It is well-known as one of the historical-rich places in the country where Emilio Aguinaldo established the 1st republic ever declared in the Philippines in the time of Spanish colonialism.
As the years went by, rapid deforestation throughout much of the country in the post-war period exposed vast areas to weather vulnerability and made a negative impact on our biodiversity. Biak-na-Bato suffered from rampant marble quarrying and mining operations that destroyed the aesthetic quality of the park and altered the geological profile of the mountains, affecting its function as a natural aquifer. It faced the challenge of protecting its wildlife and natural environment from man-made destruction such as widespread poaching of wildlife, unabated illegal logging, and charcoal-making practices. This is further worsened by continuous encroaching of illegal settlers into and beyond its buffer zone.
Biak-na-Bato was first declared as a National Park in 1937 by then-President Manuel L. Quezon to preserve and protect the area from human exploitation and environmental degradation, and to treasure it as an heirloom for future generations.
Nowadays, the place is known for its eco-tourism livelihood such as street vending, catering, and cave guiding; agriculture and livestock raising.
Just recently, Globe’s Core Network and Facilities Management (CNFM) – formerly Host Exchange Operations (HEO) – in coordination with Nature Awareness and Conservation Club, Inc., BNB Community leader Ms. Angelita De Guzman, and Ms. Violeta Imperial, Founder and BOD Envi Educ., lent their hand in giving life to three hundred (300) fruit-bearing young plants at the mountainous regions of San Miguel, Bulacan.
CNFM embarked on an hour-long trail along its enchanting forest only to set foot on the planting site. By then, the president of the club conveyed to us the proper way of planting to ensure that the plants will receive the proper nutrients that they need to grow.
Despite of the red-hot weather and muddy terrain, we have sowed these young plants that will soon bring forth fresh air, good soil, energy-saving shade, and an overall better habitat for thousands of different species.
The plants also remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air which helps us reduce global warming, not to mention the fruits they bear when harvest time arrives.
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Watch the activity here!
Song: Dj Quads - Running (Vlog No Copyright Music)
Running by Dj Quads https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-
Music provided by Audio Library https://youtu.be/BdOoZMsytuc
Song: MBB - Island (Vlog No Copyright Music)
Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/0fLMSubepkY
Song: AGST - Relax (Vlog No Copyright Music)
Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/Z_fEBxoPceA
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There is nothing better than having good food after a series of tiring activities! Arriving at the visitor center, we were welcomed by the locals with the food they have prepared. The volunteers enjoyed their time eating while telling stories of their wonderful adventure to one another. Some of us even started singing!
After the tree planting activity, we explored one of the caves that was once a hospital during the reign of Spain in the country.
The event ended by recognizing each and everyone’s effort in sharing their time and resources, as everyone chanted “We do a Globe of Good!” while the cameraman takes a memorable shot.
The joy we have experienced in planting trees will continuously echo in our hearts. We were enlightened that by planting a tree, we create countless possibilities for the future.
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About our ICONtributors
Remedios Jovi Cuenca is a Core Network and Facilities Management (CNFM) Engineer under Network Technical group. She usually spends her free time exploring new dishes and new places with her loved ones. She is affiliated with a triathlon team which inspires her to enjoy and continue working on the sports that she love - swimming and running. She also loves to explore digital media arts and is hopeful that one day, she can confidently release her work and officially become a Media Content Creator
Ian Bobadilla is a Core Network and Facilities Management Engineer based in Carmona, Cavite. He performs 1st level troubleshooting of on-site issues, responds to system alarms as required to maintain network operation and ensure that all network elements are in good condition.
