New Clark City – Over 3,000 native tree seedlings were planted across the region as DILG R3 kicked off the simultaneous tree planting activity at the New Clark City Aquatics Center on September 13, taking part in the Department's nationwide initiative.

Dubbed as "Buhayin ang Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan," the activity is an initiative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Agriculture (DA).

The DILG-led activity was attended by partner government agencies and uniformed personnel including the DENR, DA, PNP and BFP. Also in attendance are representatives from the BCDA, provincial government of Tarlac and LGU Capas, Moncada and Victoria and Miss Earth Philippines 2022 Jenny Ramp.

Across the region, provincial offices of the Department also mobilized their personnel in leading the tree planting activity at the selected sites in their provinces. Among the species that were planted were bamboo, narra, banaba and other fruit-bearing trees as recommended by DENR.

Regional Director Karl Caesar Rimando emphasized the role of local chief executives in the activity as part of their responsibilities in taking care of agriculture and nature as a whole. Meanwhile, DENR Regional Director Paquito T. Moreno also stated that this activity is not simply a tree planting activity but a full-fledged tree growing activity.

After the tree planting activity, Barangay Officials are tasked to maintain the planting sites by ensuring the long-term viability. Further, they are directed to conduct regular monitoring inspections and clean the planting area on a quarterly schedule to ensure that the tree planting sites are maintained.

This activity is also in line with DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2022-111 calling on LGUs to take an active stance in caring for trees and coincides with the 65th birthday of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.