47 miniature forests parade down Session Road on Sunday, June 25
The public is cordially invited by Mayor Benjamin Magalong to see for themselves 47 models of miniature forests in carts as they parade down Session Road to the Rose Garden, Burnham Park, starting 9AM; this Sunday June 25.
A part of the 3rd Saleng Festival celebration, the “forest in a cart” is in its third run, starting with a “Tree in a Cart,” in 2021. This year’s version is a miniature representation of a mossy or a pine forest, patterned after Cordillera forests.
Participants put together organic and/or recycled materials for an intricately decorated cart which symbolizes commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. The tree carts with the miniature forests also showcase individual and community creativity while promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.
From the 47 participants; six are from the academe: Easter College, Saint Louis University (SLU) Basic Education Senior High School, SLU SHS Teachers and Employees Association, National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT), University of the Cordilleras (UC), Roxas National High School; four are from Tuba: Taloy Sur Irrigators Association, La Diyang Haven Community Association through John Tayaban, Ulnos di Tuba through Cristina Molitas Tolero, Tuba Central National High School (TCNHS); from the local government office: City Engineers (CEO), General Services (GSO), City Treasurers (CTO), City Building and Architectures (CBAO), Local Civil Registrar (LCR), City Environment and Parks Management (CEPMO), City Planning, Development and Sustainability (CPDO), City Legal Office (CLO), City Mayor’s Office (CMO); and the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO).
There are three participants from La Trinidad: Igorot’s Tribe MC through Mark Henry Chinayo, Fredaline Zarate Burcao and Hector Chamos; two from Itogon: Vinson Ramos, and SEY-ANG through Tita Bauden Ringor; Zaparita Gardens at the Orchidarium and Baguio City Plantita/Plantito Association at the Avong, Ibaloi Park; both from Burnham Park; Rovelyn Mayat-an from Km 4, Asin road; Eco-bamboo, Roel Cabato of Outlook Drive, Pucsusan; and Adventure Team Philippines.
There are business establishments that showed support for environmentalism: Texas Instruments, Tiong San Supermarket, Grab, Deyan’s Constructions, Sta. Lucia Development Corporation, Loyalty Corporation, Mines View Resort, Grassroots Agro-tourism Ventures in the Cordillera (GAYECO) through Freda Zarate, and CUGB-Kamagong chapter through Eric Maglaque.
Also to display their forest masterpieces are landscapers, gardeners and suppliers groups: Mossy’s Plant Nursery at Parisas, Camp 7; Smith Valley Agricultural Coop at Benin, Pinsao Proper; Wood, Rock and Flowers Group of Camp 7; CRA Farm at Purok 12, Irisan; Landscaping and Riprapping jobs at Camp 7; Pinget Rural Improvement Club and Mabelline Landscaping Services.
The judges are: Architect and Councilor Mylen Victoria Yaranon; Councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr. and Barangay Country Club Village Kagawad Romeo Jugo Chua.
The forest cart entries join the parade, and owners regreen a portion of Burnham Park later. The carts are displayed for a week up to July 2.
According to CEPMO head Atty. Rhenan Diwas, forty-five (45) forest in carts are contestants, except that of the CEPMO and CMO.
The champion cart embodied with appropriate materials, recyclable and trees, receive P50,000 while the second and third places receive P30,000 and P20,000 respectively with trophies and plaques of appreciation. Special prizes shall be given as to best use of recycled materials, most creative design and most realistic representation of the chosen type of forest. – JGF
