Manila: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is shifting its focus to the long-term survival of the more than 4.2 million saplings distributed nationwide during this year's Philippine Arbor Day campaign. In a news release Thursday, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna emphasized that the success of Arbor Day is measured by the survival of the trees in the ensuing years.
According to Philippines News Agency, Environment Secretary Cuna stated, "The true measure of Arbor Day goes beyond how many trees we plant today, but how many continue to grow years from now." He highlighted the importance of community involvement for sapling survival, noting that a forest thrives only with the protection of local communities, schools, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
Cuna announced that the DENR is implementing a rigorous post-planting monitoring framework, collaborating with regional offices, local government units, and various stakeholders who participated in the campaign. This strategy includes sustained watering and protection to ensure the saplings' long-term survival.
Marvin Duco, a youth volunteer from Samar, emphasized the importance of youth participation in environmental conservation activities. He encouraged young Filipinos to engage in sustainable activities that benefit not only the environment but also have social and economic impacts.
Arnold Natividad, a laborer at the Parks Development Office of the Manila City Hall, underlined the importance of tree protection in safeguarding communities from natural disasters. He noted that the trees planted would play a crucial role in defending urban areas like Manila against floods and strong winds.
Randy Matibag, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Dolores, Quezon, urged volunteers to continue caring for the seedlings beyond Arbor Day, stressing the importance of watering and nurturing them to prevent the waste of collective efforts.
Cuna reiterated that the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to enhance environmental protection and integrate tree planting into flood control and disaster resilience strategies. He emphasized that the DENR's greening campaign aims to provide benefits beyond expanding forest cover, such as securing water resources, restoring biodiversity, mitigating flooding and soil erosion, improving air quality, providing livelihoods, and strengthening climate change resilience.
