The Bangkal Tree Park was officially launched on Wednesday (July 29) at Carindan Lake in Barangay Pinagturilan, Santa Cruz town in Occidental Mindoro, as part of a multisectoral effort to restore and protect the area’s freshwater ecosystem.
The event featured the ceremonial planting of Bangkal (Nauclea orientalis) trees and the unveiling of a ‘Pledge of Commitment’ monument, where representatives from participating sectors formally committed to conserving and developing the tree park.
The initiative was led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Sablayan in partnership with the Santa Cruz local government, the Barangay Pinagturilan government, and the Department of Education through Pinagturilan National High School.
Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) also joined the activity in support of efforts to protect Carindan Lake, an important natural resource for the community.
Under the pledge, participating agencies and organizations committed to planting and nurturing Bangkal trees to strengthen the lake’s ecosystem and help restore its natural environment.
According to the organizers, 82 participants from various sitios and barangays-including Baclaran, Bagong Sikat, Mendiola, Kabangkalan, San Vicente, and Proper-took part in the launch and tree-planting activity.
Organizers said they hope the Bangkal Tree Park will grow into a thriving green space and serve as a lasting symbol of environmental stewardship and community resilience for future generations.
The bangkal tree is an indigenous tree in the Philippines that grows up to 30 meters tall.
It has round, fragrant yellowish-to-orange or white ball-like flowers and heart-shaped leaves.
It is used for timber, traditional medicinal bark uses for stomach aches, and urban native tree conservation discussions.