ILOILO – To accelerate its reforestation efforts and raise environmental awareness, the Iloilo provincial government is set to plant over 1,000 tree seedlings during the Provincial Arbor Day celebration on June 28 in Barangay Pangilihan, Janiuay town.
The activity, spearheaded by the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), will see a total of 1,005 seedlings — sourced from the provincial nursery — planted as part of the province-wide “Tanum Iloilo” campaign.
“This is a province-wide call to action for environmental restoration and climate resilience,” said Mitzi Peñaflorida, senior environmental management specialist of PGENRO.
She confirmed that hauling of seedlings to the planting site has already commenced.
Provincial Arbor Day, institutionalized through a local ordinance to be held every last Saturday of June, aligns with the national observance of Philippine Environment Month.
June 25 also marks National Arbor Day.
“This month, as we celebrate Environment Month, we mark Arbor Day by kicking off the province’s tree-growing season. The rainy season is just beginning, which is ideal for planting. This is a long-term investment in turning Iloilo into a greener province,” Peñaflorida said.
The activity will gather representatives from local government units, national agencies, civic groups, and households. Agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Philippine National Police, and Civil Service Commission are expected to join the effort.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., along with municipal mayors and environment officers, is also expected to attend and lead the ceremonial planting.
Past Arbor Day events were held in Barangay Igpaho, Tubungan and in the Maasin Watershed, contributing to community education and sustainable environmental management.
“This is our call for everyone to come together, to contribute to the restoration of our natural landscapes, and to build a greener, healthier Iloilo,” Peñaflorida urged./PN
