Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Davao Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel Evasco (in white shirt) holds the ceremonial tree for the launch of the “Trees in the City Project” to raise awareness on the benefits of trees and the significance of urban greening. The project intends to plant 160 indigenous trees including Banaba, Bani, Kamagong, and Molave in schools, hospitals, and government offices in Davao City. Trees in urban areas reduce air pollution, provide oxygen, and lessen the urban heat island effect thus lowering the temperature of cities. The “Trees in the City Project” is in collaboration with the private community organization Puno, Edukasyon, at Para sa Kabuhayan (PEP) Philippines’ greening program, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Present during the activity held on July 17 were PEP Philippines Board of Director Andrew Worsley (3rd from left, partly hidden) and PCSO General Manager Royina Marzan Garma (front, in green shirt). ###