BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
QUEZON, Nueva Vizcaya—A British mine firm here has donated a total of 800 bamboo seedlings of different species to the local government of Diffun in Quirino province in a move to help protect the environment particularly in areas that are prone to the effects of natural calamities.
James Carmichael, FCF Minerals Corpo. country manager, said the seedlings that were donated to the municipality include Auri, Giant Bamboo, Kawayan Kiling, Balete and Kawayan Bayog.
Carmichael cited some studies which showed that bamboo plants have many environmental benefits.
“Studies have shown bamboo can absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, control soil conditions, produce organic matter, conserve biological diversity, beautify the landscape, and contribute to the cleansing and sustainable development of the environment,” he said.
Carmichael said bamboo can also provide additional income to farmers and growers.
Outside the province of Nueva Vizcaya, Diffun town in Quirino province is the only municipality that is impacted by the Runruno Gold-Molybdenum project of the London-based FCF Minerals operating in this town.
“We have considered propagating bamboo seedlings in our central nursery so we could provide for those who are interested in planting said species,” Carmichael said.
He said one of the beneficiaries of their bamboo seedlings was the local government of Diffun which was having their planting activity that started on August 26.
Carmichael said their rehabilitation officers have coordinated with Architect Al-Najim Sanidad of Diffun Municipal Engineering Office (MEO) with the hauling of seedlings from the FCF Admin Site in Runruno village.
Meanwhile, Jomar Bravo, FCF Minerals Corp. senior rehabilitation officer, led the orientation among the MEO staff on how to plant properly with a tour at the company’s central nursery.