Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson led the launching of the Building Opportunities for New Green Spaces (BONG) Project in Barangay Canmoros, Binalbagan, Thursday morning, June 25, as part of Negros Occidental’s environmental defense strategy.
The launch was also held as part of the 34th Provincial Environment Month celebration .
The provincially funded initiative, led by the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), aims to promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience while helping protect communities from coastal erosion, storm surges, and other climate-related hazards.
“This project is part of our continuous effort to protect our natural resources as we face the impacts of climate change and urbanization”, Lacson said in his speech.
The initiative aims to increase tree canopy cover and protect urban and coastal biodiversity by establishing 30 hectares of climate-resilient tree plantations across 15 local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental.
“Across the entire province, the BONG Project aims to establish 30 hectares of climate-resilient tree plantations across 15 LGUs. This is an important step toward expanding our tree canopy cover and protecting urban and coastal biodiversity,” he said,
As part of this province-wide target, the project is commencing the development of a two-hectare coastal greenbelt in Binalbagan.
“Here in Brgy. Canmoros, we are starting a 2-hectare coastal greenbelt, which is part of our 30-hectare provincial target,” Lacson said.
“This is not just a decoration or a mere planting project. This is a natural defense against coastal erosion, strong winds, storm surges, and other hazards brought by climate change,” he said.
The governor also cited the long-term impact of the initiative, which also includes raising awareness about biodiversity conservation and providing training for wildlife enforcement officers.
“The mangroves we are planting today are for the next generation,” he said.
“Caring for our environment is not the responsibility of the government alone. It is a shared responsibility for all of us. Therefore, I am deeply grateful for your support and help,” he told those present at the launch.
Lacson emphasized that the mangroves should not be merely planted but must be nurtured, protected, and allowed to thrive, recognizing their vital role as a natural shield against disasters and the growing impacts of climate change.
“Let us not allow these mangroves to just be planted. Let us nurture, care for, and protect them. Let us value our natural defenses against calamities,” Lacson urged.*
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