Over 100 Filipinos from Fujairah and other emirates took part in a tree planting drive arranged yesterday at Ain Madhab Park in Fujairah, in association with the Fujairah Municipality. The drive is an environmental project organised by the Filipino Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association of the UAE (APO Emarat 121 Chapter) and the Filipino Social Club of Fujairah.

"Our aim is to spread another message to the public about the importance of environment protection and to urge the public to conduct more tree planting and clean-up campaigns to extend the green spots in this country, responding to the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan," said Edwin Abary, Advisor of APO, who came from Dubai with more than 40 members of that emirate's association to take part in the tree planting project.

Abary noted that the APO is an international collegiate service fraternity and sorority, which had taken the opportunity to arrange this environmental drive with the cooperation of the Filipino Social Club in Fujairah. "This campaign comes in line with the Alpha Phi Omega's worldwide project known as 'Project Oxygen Belt' being undertaken simultaneously this month," he added.

Fujairah Municipality supported the tree planting project by providing the participants with the necessary seedlings and equipment. Sponsored by the Fujairah National Bunkering Company, Filipino men, women and children planted more than 70 seedlings at the forest behind Ain Madhab Park.

"APO Emarat 121 is composed of former college students who belong to Alpha Phi Omega fraternity and sorority. The main aim of this organisation is to create leaders through fostering friendship and to render service to humanity regardless of creed and race," explained Abary.

He noted that in cooperation with the existing charity organisations, spreading environmental awareness, health awareness and enhancement of the skills of individual members are the main programmes planned by the APO for this year.