The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Imelda, in coordination with the Municipal Environment & Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of LGU Malangas and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), joined forces to celebrate Philippine Arbor Day and the 161st anniversary of the Philippine Forestry Service with a tree-planting event held at Barangay Overland, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay on June 25.
The event gathered 65 participants who planted a total of 200 seedlings of Lumbayao (𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘢 𝘫𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢) with a 4x4m spacing in a 0.38-hectare area.
Prior to the activity, CENRO Imelda’s NGP Focal Person, For. Joel B. Realiza, reminded participants that Philippine Arbor Day is observed annually on June 25, as mandated by Presidential Proclamation No. 396, s. 2003, and Republic Act No. 10176, s. 2012. These laws require the DENR to provide technical assistance and mandate that all able-bodied citizens aged twelve and above plant one tree each year.
CENRO Imelda remains dedicated to fostering community involvement in environmental conservation and showcases the Lumbayao tree’s resilience to natural disasters, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for the Philippines.
(Source: DENR Zamboanga Peninsula)