ANTIQUE – The Provincial Government of Antique is targeting the planting of up to 2,000 fruit-bearing trees during this year’s Pista kang Kagubatan on June 26 as part of efforts to strengthen watershed areas and enhance environmental sustainability.
According to the Office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (OPENRO), around 1,800 to 2,000 seedlings will be planted in Barangay Sinundolan, San Remigio, the designated site for the province’s annual tree-planting activity.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ma. Vivian Marfil said six to seven hectares of land in the area still need to be planted after portions of the site remained uncovered during last year’s activity.
Government agencies from the national, provincial, municipal, and barangay levels are expected to participate in the event by planting fruit-bearing and livelihood-supporting trees, including jackfruit, cashew, and coffee. OPENRO is also coordinating with the Philippine Coconut Authority for the provision of coconut seedlings.
Gov. Paolo Javier called on all government agencies to actively participate in the activity, describing it as an “all hands on deck” effort that would leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
“On June 26, let us work together in planting trees. I encourage all government agencies to join the Pista kang Kagubatan because this will also become part of our legacy,” Javier said.
Marfil said the annual activity aims to develop and rehabilitate the province’s micro-watershed areas, in line with Provincial Ordinance No. 2015-109, which designates the last Friday of June as the official tree-planting day in Antique.
Barangay Sinundolan is among more than 30 identified micro-watershed sites in the province. These catchment areas help collect and store water that eventually flows into rivers, streams, and underground aquifers, serving as vital sources of water for surrounding communities.
Although the area already has existing trees and natural springs, Marfil said additional tree planting is necessary to ensure a stable water supply throughout the year, not only during the rainy season.
She added that planting fruit-bearing trees will not only increase forest cover but also provide residents with additional sources of income in the future.
The annual Pista kang Kagubatan forms part of the provincial government’s continuing efforts to promote environmental protection, watershed conservation, and sustainable community development./PN
