San Remigio: The tree-growing activity led by the Antique provincial government is set to plant approximately 1,000 endemic seedlings at the micro-watershed in Barangay Sinundolan, situated in the municipality of San Remigio, on June 27. Board Member Pio Jessielito Sumande Sr., chairperson of the committee on the environment at the provincial board, emphasized the importance of planting species like banaba, tapuyay, narra, and molave as a means of preserving and conserving the environment.

According to Philippines News Agency, the watershed is considered vital as a source of potable water and for supporting rice fields, as highlighted by Sumande in an interview. The celebration of 'Pista ng Kagubatan Day' is mandated every last Friday of June each year by Provincial Ordinance 2015-109. Additionally, Governor Rhodora Cadiao issued Executive Order No. 68 on June 5, 2025, for the observance of the day dedicated to forest festivities.

The tree-growing initiative will see participation from various government agencies within the province. Concurrently, Sumande expressed support for the temporary closure of Igbaclag Cave, which is also located in San Remigio, to allow the cave's ecosystem, including the surrounding forest, time to recover.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Western Visayas has required the local government to develop a management plan to safeguard the cave, which is a well-known tourist attraction in the area. Sumande stressed the need for clear guidelines in the management plan to ensure the cave's protection and conservation. Tourists are advised to maintain silence to prevent disturbing the bats and birds inhabiting the cave and to avoid vandalism.