90K seedlings planted on Arbor Day

MANILA – Over 90,000 seedlings were planted nationwide during a simultaneous tree-growing activity led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in celebration of Arbor Day.

In a press release on Tuesday, the agency said over 200 hectares of land in 205 sites nationwide were tapped during the activity aimed at intensifying the country's contribution to global efforts to fight climate change.

"The activity is part of the Philippines' contribution to global efforts to reverse global warming caused by the increase in greenhouse gases due to deforestation, transportation, agriculture, burning of fossil fuels, and the manufacturing industry. It is also a major step toward re-greening the environment and promoting a healthy ecosystem," the DENR said.

DENR Undersecretaries Jonas Leones and Marilou Erni, together with DENR Calabarzon Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria, led the tree-planting ceremonies in Tanay, Antipolo, Baras, San Mateo, and Rodriguez in Rizal, and were joined by over 1,500 volunteers.

Some 6,600 native tree seedlings of different varieties, including narra, apitong, and molave and fruit-bearing trees like guyabano (soursop or graviola) were planted during the activity.

In the province of Rizal alone, a total of 13 hectares of protected areas were planted in the Kaliwa River Forest Reserve, Upper Marikina River Basin, and Marikina River Watershed.

Watersheds and forest reserves in Rizal act as natural protection against soil erosion and flood, while ensuring a steady stream of water supply for the greater Metro Manila area and nearby provinces.

The country observes Philippine Arbor Day on June 25 every year under Presidential Proclamation No. 396 of 2003, directing the DENR to provide technical assistance to participants in the celebration, and Republic Act No. 10176 of 2012, requiring all able-bodied citizens of the Philippines who are at least 12 years old to plant one tree every year. (PNA)