MAKILALA, North Cotabato (PNA) – The local government of this municipality is distributing rubber seedlings to be planted in the town’s barren lands to help mitigate the effect of climate change in the province of North Cotabato.

Makilala Mayor Rudy Caoagdan said the rubber seedlings, amounting to some P4 million, will form part of the local government’s efforts to help protect the environment.

Rubber is one of Makilala’s major agriculture products.

Ahead of this week’s distribution of rubber seedlings, Caoagdan led local officials and environmentalist in a tree planting activity at the Abellana’s farm in Barangay Biangan as a kick-off activity.

The day-long activity resulted in the planting of at least 10,000 rubber seedlings.

“We aim to plant four million rubber seedlings to fight global warming that remains the major problem all over the world,” he disclosed.

Caoagdan said the four million trees to be planted in barren lands could help absorb about three million tons of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which contribute to global warming.

Aside from environment protection, Caoagdan said the tree planting activities will also help thousands of local residents to have instant employment.

“The local government unit will give just compensation to all those involved in the massive tree planting activities in our town,” he added.

Caoagdan said he had been advocating massive rubber tree planting here which he believes can give enough income not only to landowners but also for ordinary people who will oversee the program during his first three years as town mayor.

Makilala, home to some 72,000 residents living in 38 villages, lie at the southern part of the country's highest peak – Mount Apo.

Caoagdan said the local tourism office is working hard to improve tourist spots in this town where hot springs, falls, and various tropical fruits are common.