Manila: As the country celebrates Arbor Day on Wednesday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) renewed its call for Filipinos to take part in protecting Philippine forests and restoring degraded ecosystems. In his Arbor Day message, Environment Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla underscored the vital role of trees in ensuring environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

According to Philippines News Agency, Arbor Day in the Philippines is celebrated every June 25, in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 643 and Republic Act 10176, known as the Arbor Day Act of 2012. This law encourages citizens from all sectors of society to actively engage in tree planting and forest conservation efforts. Various government agencies, local government units, and schools participate annually by planting seedlings in parks, campuses, watersheds, and reforestation sites nationwide.

The tradition of Arbor Day began in Nebraska, United States, in 1872, with the planting of over 1 million trees. The term 'arbor' is Latin for tree, and the day is celebrated globally to acknowledge the importance of trees in the lives and communities of people around the world.

Lotilla highlighted that while the DENR continues to implement reforestation, urban greening, and sustainable forest management through its Enhanced National Greening Program, these initiatives' success hinges on widespread participation. The agency seeks collaboration from local governments, civil society, indigenous communities, and citizens to plant, protect, and preserve forests.

He emphasized viewing trees not merely as natural resources but as a legacy of climate action providing clean air, protecting biodiversity, and acting as natural buffers against climate-related disasters. Growing forests to outlive generations, Lotilla noted, reflects a commitment to the country's climate resilience. 'Sa ating pagtutulungan, magtanim tayo ng kinabukasan, para sa bayan, para sa kalikasan, at para sa susunod na henerasyon (Through our collaboration, let's plant a future, for the people, for the environment, and for the next generation),' he urged.