PANGANTUCAN, Bukidnon (PIA)–The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-10, in collaboration with Galansiyang Inc., launched a reforestation project in a 4-hectare area at Mt. Kalatungan Range, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, May 31.
The project showcases the use of drones for planting tree embryos, also known as “seed balls,” coated with soil and organic manure. These seed balls are loaded into the drone container and dispersed in the target area at Mt. Kalatungan.
Ritchie Mae L. Guno, DOST-Bukidnon provincial director, explained that the project aims to demonstrate the use of drone technology for reforestation and provide a glimpse into the future of tree planting.
“This ‘Project Tanom and Project Lantaw’ marks the beginning of DOST’s efforts in advanced reforestation technology. We plan to expand these initiatives throughout Bukidnon Province,” Guno said during the seed ball dispersal.
Guno emphasized that the initiative’s goal is to create an autonomous social system that balances the needs of people and trees.
“We will use satellite imagery to track the progress of the seed balls and monitor their growth in the forest with the help of drones,” she added.
Jay Arneil Gajudo, the chief executive officer of Galansiyang Incorporated, highlighted the event’s significance, saying that it revolutionizes tree planting in the Philippines.
He explained that the effort eliminates the struggles of planting trees in rocky locations.
The program’s first beneficiary is the local government unit of Pangantucan, Bukidnon.
The initiative is envisioned to have a large and upbeat environmental impact as it supports forestry and agricultural aspirations by utilizing modern technologies such as drones that plant trees in the scenic Mt. Kalatungan, the Philippines’ fifth-highest mountain range. (DOST/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
