Groups launch 1-M pili planting project

BAAO, Camarines Sur---The Drugstores Association of the Philippines North Bicol chapter, together with the Rotary Club of Iriga City and Lions International “Oragon” chapter have started the One Million Pili Tree Planting Project in the Rinconada area.

The project was launched in the morning of Nov. 21, Saturday at the mountainous barangay of Salvacion, here where the groups’ first one hundred pili seedlings were planted

Vicente Bismonte, member of the Rotary Club of Iriga City and co-owner of the Baao Pharmacy, told Bicol Mail that the planting of 100 pili trees will benefit the barangay in terms of future livelihood for its residents.

Jerry Salcedo, a Rotarian, solicited the seedlings from the Department of Agriculture (DA) in support of the project, which was conceptualized by Diego Coner, member of the Lions International “Oragon” chapter.

Coner said the project aims to plant one million pili trees to create and provide livelihood programs in the region.

He said since pili trees are typhoon-resilient, they can bear fruits on a regular basis, thus can be a consistent source of income to impoverished Bicolanos.

Coner said once the project is realized, Bicol will be recognized as the sole supplier of the pili nuts and other pili-based products in the country.

“It will be better if pili trees are also planted and grown along the road sides of the Andaya and Quirino Highways. This way travellers passing through will easily recognize their whereabouts,” he said.

PILI PLANTING. One of the pili seedlings being planted as part of the One Million Pili Tree Planting Project to provide families with livelihood in Baao, Camarines Sur. PHOTO BY PAULO DS. PAPA