Despite overcast skies and intermittent rainfall, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Misamis Occidental actively participated in a tree-planting initiative led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) Ozamiz on March 21 in Barangay Hoyohoy, Tangub City. The event was held in observance of the International Day of Forests, highlighting the significance of forest conservation and environmental sustainability.
The DAR delegation, headed by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Mohammad Abdul Jabbar Pandapatan and Officer-in-Charge Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I (OIC-PARPO I) Danilo Pilar, collaborated with various government agencies and private organizations. Among the participants were representatives from the Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, GlobalPort Terminals Ozamiz, Misamis University, and the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Hoyohoy.
During the activity, Narra saplings were planted, chosen for their resilience and ecological benefits. These trees play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, preventing soil erosion, and preserving biodiversity. The initiative not only underscored the importance of tree planting but also fostered collective environmental responsibility among stakeholders.
This event also formed part of the DAR’s 2025 National Women’s Month activities under its Gender and Development (GAD) Program. By integrating environmental conservation into its advocacies, the DAR reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development and gender-responsive governance.
Furthermore, the tree-planting activity aligns with the legal mandate requiring able-bodied citizens aged 12 and above to participate in at least one tree-planting activity annually. Through this effort, DAR Misamis Occidental and its partners contributed to reforestation and environmental preservation, ensuring a greener and healthier future for the community.