By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Millions of trees are set to be planted across the country on Thursday as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) launches one of the largest coordinated environmental campaigns in recent years in observance of Philippine Arbor Day.
The nationwide initiative aims to plant three million trees in all 1,642 cities and municipalities, reinforcing the government’s commitment to climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and environmental sustainability.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said this year’s Arbor Day celebration carries the theme “Luntiang Bukas,” emphasizing the role of every Filipino in helping create greener and healthier communities through collective action.
“Every tree planted today is an investment in a safer and more sustainable future,” Cuna said, stressing the importance of public participation in addressing climate and environmental challenges.
The DENR expects about 188,000 volunteers and stakeholders from government agencies, local government units, schools, private organizations, civil society groups, and local communities to participate in the simultaneous tree-planting activities nationwide.
The campaign will cover more than 1,538 hectares of land, with efforts focused on restoring degraded areas, protecting watersheds, conserving biodiversity, and strengthening natural defenses against climate-related disasters.
Participants will plant a variety of species, including native and indigenous trees, fruit-bearing plants, mangroves, and other environment-friendly species suited to local conditions. Planting sites include forests, schools, parks, urban open spaces, watersheds, and coastal areas.
Established under Republic Act 10176, Philippine Arbor Day is observed annually every June 25 to encourage citizens and institutions to contribute to environmental protection through tree-growing activities.
The DENR said the nationwide undertaking also supports its broader environmental programs, particularly the 5 Million Trees Program and the implementation of Forest Land Use Plans by local governments.
Cuna will lead the national Arbor Day celebration at the Gomburza National Monument in Manila alongside Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, while parallel activities will be conducted in provinces and cities nationwide.
To document the event, participating groups will submit geo-tagged photographs, with activities to be showcased through a nationwide social media live relay.
The DENR said the tree-planting campaign aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s directive to expand green spaces, rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, and strengthen the country’s environmental protection efforts amid growing climate concerns.
ia/xf
