June 26, 2024 - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led a nationwide tree-planting activity in celebration of Arbor Day, resulting in the planting of over 90,000 tree seedlings across 200 hectares of land in 205 locations.
DENR Undersecretaries Atty. Jonas Leones and Marilou Erni, along with DENR CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria, spearheaded the tree-planting ceremony in Tanay, Rizal. The event, dubbed Project TRANSFORM, saw participation from local government units (LGUs), private corporations, non-government organizations, youth groups, and DENR personnel. Over 1,543 volunteers joined the initiative that spanned across five towns in Rizal: Tanay, Antipolo, Baras, San Mateo, and Rodriguez.
This tree-planting activity serves as the Philippines' contribution to global efforts in combating climate change brought about by greenhouse gases. It is also a significant step towards environmental restoration and promoting a healthy ecosystem.
Around 6,600 native tree seedlings, including narra, apitong, molave, and fruit-bearing trees like guyabano (soursop or graviola), were planted during the event.
Planting sites in Rizal included a total of 13 hectares of protected areas within the Kaliwa River Forest Reserve, Upper Marikina River Basin, and Marikina River Watershed. These protected areas serve as natural shields against soil erosion and floods, while ensuring a steady water supply for Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The planted trees are expected to mature and propagate naturally through wind and animal seed dispersal.
Participating LGUs designated tree-growing sites 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 such as A. Brown Co., Alternergy Tanay Wind Corp., Manila Water Company, and Eastern Rizal Miners’ Association joined the event alongside local stakeholders, youth groups, and non-government organizations.
Philippine Arbor Day is observed annually nationwide on June 25th. Presidential Proclamation No. 396, series of 2003, mandates the DENR to provide technical assistance for Arbor Day celebrations. Additionally, Republic Act No. 10176, series of 2012, requires all Filipino citizens aged 12 and above to plant at least one tree every year.