Laguna: Ambassadors and official representatives from ASEAN member-states, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN dialogue partners gathered earlier this month for a tree planting activity in celebration of 58th ASEAN Day. The event took place at the Makiling Botanic Gardens, Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, an ASEAN Heritage Park in Laguna province, on August 9.

According to Philippines News Agency, the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) announced the tree planting activity in a news release on Monday. It was led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and ACB Executive Director Jerome Montemayor under the theme "Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN Future."

In her speech, Lazaro emphasized the significance of ecosystem restoration and the collaboration among ASEAN member-states and partners to ensure a prosperous future. She highlighted that planting seedlings symbolizes laying the foundation for productive and cooperative engagement among ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners. Lazaro also expressed support for the ASEAN Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 million native trees over a decade across all 10 ASEAN Member States.

Montemayor highlighted the shared responsibility of ASEAN nations in addressing the triple planetary crisis of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. He noted that conservation and restoration are shared responsibilities that require a whole-of-society approach. Montemayor expressed optimism that the efforts will continue to grow and help build a better world for future generations.

The planting of native Philippine tree species such as Bagtikan (Parashorea malaanonan), Saplungan (Hopea plagata), and Yakal (Shorea astylosa) was facilitated by Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems Director Lerma Maldia, with participation from the guests.