Ilocos norte: A total of 2,600 saplings of native trees, including bitaog, narra, dungon, duhat, talisay, and bamboo, were planted on Thursday along the 11.35-kilometer stretch of the Cabulalaan River in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, as part of the Arbor Day celebration.
According to Philippines News Agency, every June, officials and employees of local government units (LGUs), national agencies, private organizations, academic institutions, people's organizations, and community volunteers participate in tree planting activities in barren areas. This year, the Cabulalaan River, which spans 12 barangays, was selected as a site for the Arbor Day activity. It serves as a model river under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' RIVERs for Life Awards, which recognizes communities and officials for environmental law enforcement and river conservation efforts.
"This is also part of the implementation of the Cabulalaan River Wetland Management Plan," stated Rhoel Marcelo, senior environmental specialist and chief of the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Unit of DENR-Ilocos Norte.
In a related initiative, the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) led the planting of 300 Narra trees in Barangay Alsem, Vintar town. This effort aims to expand forest cover, rehabilitate degraded lands, enhance biodiversity, and improve critical watersheds. "Thank you to the local government unit of Vintar for hosting the celebration of Arbor Day and to all participants who joined in the tree-growing activity," remarked Joegie Jimenez, environment program officer of ENRO-Ilocos Norte.
Across the province, other towns and cities also conducted separate tree-growing initiatives. In an innovative approach, Paguludan Primary School in Currimao planted malunggay trees, not just to green the environment but also to provide a sustainable source of nutritious food for learners and the community. "This is our way of fulfilling our duty to protect and conserve our natural resources, as mandated by law, while building a healthier and greener future for the next generation," emphasized Richard Galindo of Paguludan Elementary School.
Arbor Day in the Philippines is commemorated every June 25, following Proclamation No. 643, which amended Proclamation No. 396, s. 2003.
