ILOILO CITY -- About 1,000 volunteers are expected to take part in a tree-planting activity of the Iloilo provincial government on June 22.
Lawyer Arturo Cangrejo, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO), said the tree-planting activity in Pangilihan village, Janiuay is part of the Philippine Arbor Day celebration every June 25.
“We propose to plant 7,500 seedlings, including forest trees and fruit-bearing trees, such as cacao, duhat (Java plum), and jackfruit,” he said in an interview Tuesday.
Cangrejo called on partners and Iloilo locals to also participate in the activity.
He reminded participants to bring water with them but discouraged the use of single-use water plastic bottles.
“We advise them to bring their own water bottle. The PENRO will provide water to refill their containers,” he said.
Participants were also encouraged to wear appropriate outdoor attire, he said.
Cangrejo said participants will assemble at the Ceres Motorpool, Dungon B village in this city’s Jaro district.
The Philippine Arbor Day is celebrated annually to promote a healthier ecosystem, he said.
Proclamation No. 396 enjoins the “active participation of all government agencies, including government-owned and -controlled corporations, private sector, schools, civil society groups, and the citizenry in the tree-planting activity.” (PNA)