On June 25, 2026, a total of 1,139 volunteers planted 7,460 native and fruit-bearing tree seedlings across 5.72 hectares in Central Visayas to mark Philippine Arbor Day. The initiative aims to restore forest landscapes, protect watersheds, and build climate-resilient communities under regional rehabilitation efforts.
Simultaneous Greening Initiative
The tree-planting activity mobilized volunteers from government agencies, local government units (LGUs), community groups, the private sector, and partner organizations. It was anchored on the theme “Green, Clean and Climate-Ready Communities.” Arbor Day, derived from the Latin word arbor meaning “tree,” is an annual secular observance promoting tree planting and care, serving as a global call to action for environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 Director Laudemir Salac emphasized the collective commitment behind the effort. “The true significance of Arbor Day lies not only in the number of trees we plant but in the people who come together with one purpose — to restore our forests and secure a greener future for the next generations,” Salac said. He added, “Every seedling planted today represents our collective commitment to environmental stewardship and climate resilience.”
Six Planting Sites Across Cebu and Bohol
According to DENR 7, six planting sites were established across Cebu and Bohol. In Barangay Lusaran, Cebu City, 250 volunteers planted 1,500 seedlings of native and fruit-bearing species, including cinnamon, narra, molave, sambulawan, sangil, antipolo, lauan, avocado, caimito, guyabano, cacao, and nangka.
Other sites saw high volunteer turnouts: in Barangay Santo Niño, Malabuyoc, Cebu, 51 volunteers planted 2,000 molave seedlings; in Barangay Kangaibe, Bantayan Island, 164 volunteers planted 1,000 seedlings of narra, molave, and guyabano; in Barangay Nug-as, Alcoy, 155 volunteers planted 1,000 seedlings of agoho and molave; in Barangay Punta Cruz, Maribojoc, Bohol, 271 volunteers planted 1,600 bungalon seedlings; and in Barangay Puerto San Pedro, Bien Unido, Bohol, 248 volunteers planted 360 bungalon seedlings.
Sustained Support for Local Governments
Salac reiterated the agency’s continued support for local government-led environmental programs. “We remain committed to providing technical assistance, quality planting materials and sustained collaboration to help our LGUs realize their goals of expanding green spaces, protecting watersheds and building climate-resilient communities,” Salac said. The DENR 7 pledged to continue technical assistance and planting materials to support local government-led programs, stressing that sustained partnerships are key to long-term success in reforestation and climate adaptation.
