On August 6, 2021, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, housed in UP Los Banos, together with the ASEAN Secretariat launched the ASEAN Green Initiative (AGI) which is expected to usher in a tree-planting movement in the region and build the momentum for more coordinated efforts that are anchored on sound scientific principles. Under this programme, the ASEAN committed to planting at least 10 million native trees across 10 ASEAN Member States in a span of 10 years.
The impact of tree planting extends far beyond local communities. Afforestation and reforestation initiatives have the potential to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon emissions and cooling the planet. Moreover, reforested areas serve as biodiversity hotspots, offering refuge to threatened species and safeguarding ecological resilience.
Educating and empowering youth is pivotal in ensuring the longevity of environmental conservation efforts. The Department of Education (DepEd) reported in January that a total of 1.9 million tree seedlings were planted by their agency under the "Project Pagbabago: A Million Trees" program. The nationwide simultaneous tree-planting activity is connected with the “DepEd's 236,000 Trees: A Christmas gift for children” to ensure a clean and green environment.
Schools are integrating tree planting into the curricula, instilling values of environmental responsibility from an early age. By nurturing a generation of eco-conscious leaders, we pave the way for a sustainable future grounded in reverence for nature. The "Project Pagbabago: A Million Trees" program seeks to inculcate to its learners and employees the importance of environment preservation, and conservation and achieve the goals of the National Greening Program of the government.
Moreover, the DENR is partnering with DepEd for a project to promote planting of "native" trees in public schools nationwide. DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs Jonas Leones said the activity is called "School in a Garden Project or SIGA".
The SIGA program is a revival of a past DepEd project that enabled students to plant medium-sized flowering trees similar to the concept of cherry blossoms in Japan. It aims to showcase trees that are endemic to the Philippines, such as banaba and fire trees, which are colorful and flowering all-year round.
“We hope that through the SIGA program, we are able to instill in the young minds how significant forests are to their lives, so that the heritage of environmental conservation continues,” Leones said.
Reference:
https://ncr.denr.gov.ph/news-events/denr-partners-with-deped-for-planting-of-native-trees-in-schools/
As we commemorate Earth Day, let us heed the call to action and plant a tree for Mother Earth. In the face of daunting environmental challenges, the act of tree planting symbolizes resilience, renewal, and the unwavering spirit of collective action. Together, with the support of governmental agencies like the DENR, DepEd and Climate Change Commission, we have the power to cultivate a greener, more sustainable world—one tree at a time. For it is not too late to make a difference, and every tree planted is a testament to our commitment to protect and preserve the precious gift of our planet.
So this Earth Day, and everytime we have a chance, let's all plant a tree and work together for a healthier planet! (AVS/PIA-NCR)
