More than 90,000 tree seedlings were planted in 200 hectares of land during a simultaneous tree-growing activity held in 205 sites nationwide led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in celebration of Arbor Day.

DENR Undersecretaries Atty. Jonas Leones and Marilou Erni, and DENR CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria led the tree-planting ceremony in Tanay, Rizal, joined by participants from LGUs, private corporations, non-government organizations, youth groups, and DENR offices. This Project TRANSFORM initiative spanned across the five towns of Rizal namely Tanay, Antipolo, Baras, San Mateo, and Rodriguez with a total of over 1,543 volunteers joining the activity.

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, and 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.

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

Planting sites in the province of Rizal covered a total of 13 hectares of protected areas 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 trees can grow and multiply by natural means through seed dispersal by wind and animals.

The partner LGUs’ tree-growing sites were in Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay; Sitio San Ysiro, Brgy. San Jose, Antipolo City; Sitio San Roque, Baras; Brgy. Pintong Bukawe, San Mateo; and, Sitio Paruwagan in Brgy. San Rafael, Rodriguez.

Partner companies that participated in the event were A. Brown Co, Alternergy Tanay Wind Corp, Manila Water Company, and Eastern Rizal Miners’ Association, alongside local stakeholders, youth organizations, and non-government organizations.

Philippine Arbor Day is observed on June 25 every year throughout the country pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 396, s. 2003 which directs the DENR to provide technical assistance to participants in the celebration, and Republic Act No. 10176, s. 2012 which requires all able-bodied citizens of the Philippines who are at least twelve years old to plant one tree every year. #