Negros occidental: The Negros Occidental provincial government has launched an initiative to establish 30 hectares of tree plantations across the province, in celebration of the 34th Provincial Environment Month.

According to Philippines News Agency, the project, named Building Opportunities for New Green Spaces (BONG), was inaugurated by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson at Barangay Canmoros in Binalbagan, aligning with Philippine Arbor Day. The BONG Project aims to develop climate-resilient tree plantations in 15 local government units (LGUs) to enhance tree canopy cover and protect biodiversity in urban and coastal areas.

In Binalbagan, the Canmoros Beach Forest, a two-hectare coastal greenbelt, contributes to the broader provincial target. The project is part of efforts to safeguard natural resources, addressing climate change and urbanization impacts such as coastal erosion and storm surges.

Governor Lacson emphasized that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility and thanked the community for their support. He noted that the project also aims to raise awareness about biodiversity conservation and provide training for wildlife enforcement officers.

The 15 participating LGUs include the cities of Sipalay, Kabankalan, Bago, Silay, Victorias, San Carlos, and the municipalities of Binalbagan, Candoni, La Castellana, Hinigaran, San Enrique, E.B. Magalona, Manapla, Pontevedra, and Moises Padilla.

On June 23, the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) led a tree planting activity at Central Philippines State University (CPSU) in Kabankalan City, planting 1,500 native and fruit tree seedlings. This activity is part of Project TANOM, a collaboration between the province and CPSU aimed at ecosystem conservation and rehabilitation.

During the event, PEMO head Julie Ann Bedrio presented a PHP1.316 million check to CPSU president Aladino Moraca to support the development and maintenance of the six-hectare Project TANOM site. "Tanom," a Hiligaynon word, means "to plant."