Flash flood, deaths of humans as well as animals, and damage to properties and many other wanton destruction of our environment are believed to be some of the ill effects of climate change.

With this in mind, the Cactus and Succulent Society of the Philippines (CSSP) will be presenting a flower and garden show with the theme “Gardening for a Better Environment” from November 20 to 30 at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. This is in cooperation with the Quezon Memorial Circle management headed by Engr. Zaldy dela Rosa.

Kevin Belmonte, an avid collector of rare cacti and succulents, and CSSP president Dorie S. Bernabe are co-chair of the overall show. They said that a commercial section will also be a feature of the show where Christmas gift shoppers can buy their favorite gifts for their loved ones and friends The commercial section is where plant growers and suppliers of gardening inputs can sell their products. There are still available commercial spaces for interested sellers, according to Dorie S. Bernabe.

The garden exhibits are divided into four sections, namely: Cacti and Succulent landscape and dishgardens; ornamental landscapes; table judging; and commercial section.

To make attendees aware of the importance of gardening in relation to global warming, there will be daily lecture-demonstrations in the afternoon. Topics include care of cacti and succulents, natural farming and gardening, money-making opportunities in farming and gardening, waste management, and many others.

The various working committees are headed by the following: Mely Sibayan and Linda Kitre, finance, invitation and awards; Becky Buenaventura, secretariat and opening program; Boyet Ganigan and Rap Eugenio, physical arrangement and exhibits; Peter Bangayan and Serapion Metilla, educational lectures; Letty Ligon and Linda Kitre, ways and means; Elisa Montecastro and Serapion Metilla, souvenir program; Teresa Baldonado, commercial; Kevin Belmonte and Serapion Metilla, publicity; Nanding Aurigue and Kevin Belmonte, judging and plant registration; Jeff Patag and Nolie Perez, security; Aireen Bernal and Judy Udquin, cleanliness; Peter Bangayan and Joey Castro, photo and documentation; Carmen Florento and Vangie Cheng, reception; and Norma Villanueva and Cathy King, raffle and marketing.

The exhibits will be formally opened by Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista and Joy Belmonte on November 20 at 4 p.m.