DENR to plant, distribute 1.6M seedlings in Central Luzon for Arbor Day

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Luzon will plant and distribute 1.6 million tree seedlings across the region as part of the observance of Philippine Arbor Day —COURTESY OF DENR 3

SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES, Philippines — Stepping up efforts to restore forests and strengthen Central Luzon’s resilience to climate change, more than 1.6 million tree seedlings will be planted and distributed across the region as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) marks Philippine Arbor Day on Thursday, June 25.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 24, DENR Region 3 said that simultaneous tree-growing activities will be held in various sites across the region in partnership with local government units, national agencies, schools, private groups, people’s organizations, and community volunteers.

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The initiative aims to expand forest cover, rehabilitate degraded lands, enhance biodiversity, and improve the condition of watersheds that supply water to farms, industries, and households.

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DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said the annual observance underscores the need for sustained cooperation in protecting the environment.

“Every tree planted today is an investment in the future of Central Luzon. Beyond increasing forest cover, these trees will help secure our watersheds, protect biodiversity, improve air quality, reduce the impacts of flooding and soil erosion, and strengthen our communities against the growing threats posed by climate change,” Pablo said.

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The Arbor Day activities build on the agency’s reforestation efforts under the Enhanced National Greening Program.

Since 2011, DENR Region 3 has planted more than 88.4 million seedlings and established and rehabilitated over 138,000 hectares of denuded and degraded lands across Central Luzon.

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Pablo said the large-scale tree-growing program is expected to provide long-term benefits, including increased carbon sequestration, improved water availability, restoration of wildlife habitats, and stronger ecosystems capable of withstanding extreme weather events.

“Tree growing is among the simplest yet most effective ways that citizens can contribute to environmental protection. Through the support of our partners and communities, we hope to instill a stronger sense of environmental stewardship and encourage more people to take an active role in conserving our natural resources,” he added.

Philippine Arbor Day is observed every June 25 under Presidential Proclamation No. 643, which institutionalized tree planting as a nationwide activity aimed at promoting environmental awareness and responsibility among Filipinos.

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DENR has encouraged the public to support greening initiatives beyond Arbor Day to help sustain healthy forests, protected watersheds, cleaner waterways, and more climate-resilient communities throughout Central Luzon. /cb