During the strike of Tropical Storm Bopha (Pablo) in the Philippines, forests such as in Compostela Valley province has been left bare and treeless. However, during the celebration of Earth Day 2013, 5000 seedlings were planted to reforest the typhoon devastated mountain. Organized by several youth groups such as Tulong Kabataan, Balsa Mindanao, and Ecotenista Movement, this Mindanao wide tree growing activity aims to restore the forests that were hit by Typhoon Bopha.

The seedlings were composed of fruit bearing and non-fruit bearing trees of various kinds which is a must to both restore the forest and the ecosystem that was once present in it. Planting a variety of trees would ensure that the ecosystem would be restored to its natural balance unlike those forests which which were restored using one or two types of trees. Thousands of student and youth volunteers traveled for several hours and even days in order to take part in the tree growing activity.

This activity does not only end on Earth Day. The organizers plan to conduct monthly tree growing activities in order to allow the full restoration of the rich forests of Compostela Valley.

The photo below are the volunteers from Ateneo de Davao University, one of the participating schools that took part in the event. Photo by Lem Manalo.