A total of 1,000 native tree seedlings were planted in a major government-led reforestation drive in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan on Thursday in observance of National Arbor Day.

In a statement on Friday, the Provincial Public Affairs Office (PPAO) said the reforestation drive was conducted in a mountainous part of Sitio Payapa in Barangay Camachin.

“This is more than just a ceremonial planting. Each tree symbolizes a commitment — a shared responsibility to protect our natural heritage and ensure a livable environment for future generations,” Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando said.

Emphasizing the long-term impact of collective environmental action, Fernando said, “Bawat puno po na ating itinanim ay binhi ng pag-asa para sa kinabukasan ng mga Bulakenyo (Each tree that we planted is a seed of hope for the future of Bulacan residents).”

The activity was a collaborative effort involving the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), Board Member for Indigenous Peoples Liberato Sembrano, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Doña Remedios Trinidad, Brgy. Camachin officials, and tribal leaders from the Remontado community.

With a theme “Kalikasan ay Buhay: Ating Pangalagaan, Ating Pagyamanin” (Nature is Life: Let’s Take Care of it and Enrich it),” the initiative underscored Bulacan’s intensified efforts to combat climate change, restore degraded forestlands, and foster environmental stewardship among local communities, PPAO said.

Lawyer Julius Victor Degala, BENRO head, stressed the lasting value of reforestation work.

“Hindi man natin agad makita ang magiging bunga ng ating pagtatanim, tiyak na darating ang panahon na ang mga punong ito ay magiging lilim sa init, panangga sa baha, at tagapangalaga ng ating kapaligiran (We may not see the fruits of what we planted, but time will come that these trees will provide shelter from the heat, prevent flooding, and serve as protector of our environment),” he said.

PPAO said beyond the environmental benefits, the activity also served to raise public awareness, mobilize youth and community participation, and strengthen ties with Indigenous peoples and local leaders, ensuring that tree-growing becomes an ongoing commitment rather than a one-day event.

“As climate challenges intensify, Bulacan continues to lead by example, showing that planting trees is planting hope — and that a greener tomorrow begins with the choices we make today,” it said.

Arbor Day is celebrated in the Philippines every June 25 pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 643 and Republic Act 10176 or the Arbor Day Act of 2012.

The law encourages all citizens across all sectors of society to actively participate in tree-planting and forest conservation efforts.

The word “arbor” is Latin for tree, and Arbor Day is celebrated globally to recognize the value of trees in people’s lives and communities. (PNA)