7000 join Arbor Day celebration

By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 26 (PIA)- - An estimated crowd of over 7000 representing multisectoral-groups participated in the Philippine Arbor Day celebration held yesterday (June 25) at the Climaco Freedom Park in Abong-abong where they planted trees as their share of responsibility in the protection and preservation of the environment.

The participants composed of students, policemen, military men, and representatives from national government agencies, local government offices, government-owned and controlled corporations, barangays and various other sectors actively planted trees in their assigned areas at the Climaco Park in Abong-abong.

According to City Information Officer -Sheila Covarrubias, this particular Arbor Day celebration in Zamboanga is well-attended where a great number of participants, (over 7000 individuals)  gathered together as one for the common purpose of protecting and preserving the environment.

The activity dubbed as “Arbor Day na Ciudad de Zamboanga” was organized by the City Government through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (OCENR).

Pursuant to Ordinance 281, June 25 was the day officially designated as the start of the planting season in the city which also provides for active public participation in tree planting activities in observance of the Philippine Arbor Day.

The celebration of June 25 of every year as Philippine Arbor Day is based on Proclamation No. 396 as amended which enjoins “active participation of all government agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations, private sector, schools, civil society groups and the citizenry in tree planting activity”. 

The occasion is geared at promoting a healthier ecosystem through the rehabilitation and re-greening of the environment. (JPA/PIA9-ZBST)