NEW CLARK CITY — About 300 seedlings of native trees, particularly narra and banaba, were planted at New Clark City (NCC) River Park.
This is part of the “Buhayin ang Pangangalaga sa Kalikasan” nationwide simultaneous tree planting activity of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of Agriculture in collaboration with other national government agencies and local government units.
DENR Regional Executive Director Paquito Moreno Jr. underscored that the activity embodies commitment and dedication of leaving a good legacy by restoring and conserving the environment, especially the 942,387 hectares covering Central Luzon’s forestlands.
“We see how lucky most of us are here in Central Luzon for having mountain ranges surrounding the region like the great Sierra Madre which provides shelter and protection from typhoons. It just shows that truly, our lives and progress are tied with our care for the environment and this what makes this activity so important and crucial,” he said.
He also thanked the participants for aiding the government’s mission of planting trees, and pledged this would turn to a fully-becoming tree growing effort.
In addition, Moreno stressed that trees planted reflect everybody’s commitment in sustaining the ecological health not only of NCC, but also Central Luzon’s ecological wealth.
“NCC aims to be the future of green living, blending modern design and planning with the concern for nature and the environment. Cities such as this are very important in ensuring the future of the earth and its species. We are proud from the DENR to be part of this undertaking since its inception,” he stated.
The official added that the activity began on fate and with hope, the region’s valuable foundation in this time of its resurgence from the downtrends brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, DILG Regional Director Karl Caesar Rimando emphasized the importance of the participation of local chief executives (LCEs) in the activity as taking care of the nature, environment, and agriculture is part of their responsibility.
“We should know that our environment is our main debt to our future. I hope that this activity will not start and stop today, and that we will continue to help each other in planting for a green Philippines,” he said.
He also urged LCEs to strengthen the initiatives on taking care of the environment in their respective localities.
Source: Jag Lyra Costamero (PIA3)
