09 June 2015 - The Philippine Consulate General in Manado organized a special Tree Planting Activity in Paniki district, Manado City on June 6. Philippine Consul General Oscar G. Orcine, together with Vice Consul Jan Sherwin P. Wenceslao and Consulate General personnel, planted over 50 fruit-bearing trees.

The activity was held in coordination with the Manado City Government and the Forestry Office of Manado City, led by First Assistant representing the Mayor of Manado Dr. G.S. Vicky Lumentut, Mr. Joshua Pangkerego; Head of the Office of Agriculture in Manado City, Engineer Philip B. Sondakh; and Head of Forestry Section of the Office of Agriculture in Manado City, Engineer Zainal A. Jusuf.

During the activity, the Consul General noted the symbolism in the planting of fruit-bearing seedlings for the enjoyment of succeeding generations in Manado City, with the hope that the friendship between the Philippines and North Sulawesi continue to grow and prosper. Mr. Pangkerego noted the Manado City Government’s commitment to green spaces, particularly the City’s commitment to reserving 30% of all urban development towards protected forestland.

The event was followed by a get-together breakfast for the Consulate General personnel and officials from Manado City Government at Pondok Hijau restaurant, Manado. END