QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — At least 500 more narra seedlings (Pterocarpus indicus) have been planted along the La Mesa Watershed in Novaliches, Quezon City through the unity of the members of the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the local government units in Metro Manila.
The Office of Civil Defense-National Capital Region (OCD-NCR), led by Director George F. Keyser, successfully organized the tree planting activity called “Juan for Treesilience: A Tree Planting and Growing Activity” where more than 100 participants from various agencies and offices in the NCR gathered to plant the seedlings.
Photos: Civil Defense NCR Facebook page
Narra, the National Tree of the Philippines, is a majestic reddish hardwood symbolizing the resilience and strength of the Filipino people.
This impressive tree can grow up to 40 meters tall with an asymmetrical, corrugated trunk that can reach two meters in diameter or more as it ages, sometimes living for 50 to 150 years.
In his message, Director Keyser expressed his gratitude to the participants and emphasized the importance of tree planting in celebrating Arbor Day, in line with Proclamation No. 396, s. 2003.
Keyser highlighted the activity’s significance, especially in the face of the alarming effects of climate change on the environment.
After the event, the OCD NCR turned over the equipment used during the tree planting activity to the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) La Mesa Nursery Office for the continued care of the trees within the La Mesa Watershed.
The successful implementation of the Juan for Treesilience activity was made possible through the participation of the Bureau of Fire Protection-NCR, National Capital Region Police Office, Joint Task Force-NCR, Philippine Coast Guard-NCR, Metro Manila Development Authority, OCD NCR, Makati City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices.
The activity was held in observance of Arbor Day, an annual celebration that encourages tree planting activities to promote healthier ecosystems in the country.
The activity also focuses not just on planting trees, but also on ensuring the trees grow for the benefit of future generations as it will lessen Metro Manila’s vulnerability from disasters. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
