Enviro News Asia, Manila — The Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is shifting its priority from mass tree planting to ensuring long-term seedling survival after surpassing its nationwide Philippine Arbor Day target, distributing 4.2 million seedlings for planting—well above its original goal of 3 million.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen environmental protection, restore degraded ecosystems, and build more climate-resilient communities. He added that the campaign also aligns with the government’s broader strategy of integrating tree planting into flood control and disaster risk reduction programs.
The nationwide Arbor Day campaign, held on June 25, mobilized 61,199 volunteers across 1,131 planting sites covering more than 2,347 hectares of forests, urban landscapes, and coastal ecosystems. The effort serves as the foundation of the DENR’s flagship “Luntiang Bukas” campaign, which promotes greener, cleaner, and climate-resilient communities throughout the Philippines.
Cuna emphasized that the success of the initiative will be measured not by the number of trees planted, but by how many survive and mature in the years ahead.
“The true measure of Arbor Day goes beyond how many trees we plant today, but how many continue to grow years from now,” Cuna said, stressing that long-term environmental stewardship depends on sustained collaboration among government agencies, local communities, schools, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
To improve survival rates, the DENR is implementing a comprehensive post-planting monitoring framework. Local DENR offices, working together with local government units and organizations that adopted planting sites, will focus on regular watering, maintenance, and protection of newly planted seedlings.
The agency also underscored the critical role of communities and young people in ensuring the long-term success of the initiative.
Youth volunteer Marvin Duco from Samar encouraged greater participation from younger generations, saying environmental activities not only benefit ecosystems but also contribute to social and economic well-being while creating lasting benefits for future generations.
Community leaders likewise highlighted the importance of tree survival in reducing disaster risks. Arnold Natividad, a worker with Manila City’s Parks Development Office, noted that trees serve as a natural defense against flooding and strong winds, urging the public to protect newly planted seedlings.
Similarly, Dolores Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Randy Matibag called on volunteers to continue caring for planted trees through regular maintenance, warning that without sustained action, future generations would bear the consequences of environmental degradation.
Although 4.2 million seedlings were distributed during the campaign, DENR reported that approximately 1.67 million seedlings had been physically planted by the conclusion of the June 25 activities, with the remaining seedlings scheduled for planting throughout July.
According to Cuna, the greening initiative aims to deliver benefits beyond expanding forest cover, including securing water resources, restoring biodiversity, reducing flooding and soil erosion, improving air quality, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and strengthening the Philippines’ resilience to climate change.
Philippine Arbor Day is observed annually on June 25 under Republic Act No. 10176 as a nationwide initiative promoting forest restoration, environmental protection, and sustainable development. (*)
