Manila: The municipal government here, along with partner stakeholders, has been fortifying a 20-hectare reforestation area in Barangay Agaga by planting more fruit-bearing trees every year. In time for the celebration of Arbor Day on June 25, a total of 1,220 grafted fruit-bearing trees, including avocado, guyabano, jackfruit, duhat, caimito, and chico, are now being prepared at a nursery for a simultaneous tree-planting program in the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, Arbor Day is an internationally recognized secular holiday that encourages individuals and groups to plant and care for trees. Jay-arr Tiguiamo, municipal environment and natural resources officer of Burgos town, stated that the initiative aims to convert the tree plantation area into a food forest while also focusing on reforestation.

Currently, about two hectares of the area have been transformed into a food forest, with plans for future expansion. In collaboration with the local community, the local government unit is actively deploying workers to maintain this burgeoning food forest.

The reforestation site also hosts an arboretum project led by the Energy Development Corp., which is dedicated to conserving and educating about Philippine native trees and indigenous plants. Additionally, barangay ranger officers, commissioned by the provincial government, are receiving training in forest restoration and nursery management to enhance local forest restoration efforts.