MAGUINDANAO — With shovels in hand and seedlings ready, communities from both Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur came together to mark World Environment Day through tree planting and cleanup drives, underscoring a shared commitment to climate action and environmental protection.
Spearheaded by the Provincial Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Offices (PENREO) in both provinces, the initiatives were more than symbolic—they were concrete steps toward building a disaster-resilient and climate-adaptive Bangsamoro.
Planting Hope, One Tree at a Time
On June 9, PENREO Maguindanao del Sur, under the leadership of Forester Datumama Makartur, planted 1,500 tree seedlings across three barangays: Lanting, Talayan, and Daon in Datu Anggal Midtimbang. The reforestation effort was a collaborative endeavor with partners from the Office of the Vice President–BARMM, the Bureau of Fire Protection, MSU–Maguindanao’s College of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Adaon Elementary School, and the local government unit.
“This initiative reflects PENREO’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Makartur. “Reforestation is essential in mitigating climate change and preserving resources for future generations.”
The planting of native and climate-resilient tree species also supports biodiversity, prevents soil erosion, and strengthens community ties around environmental advocacy.
Cleaning Up for a Cleaner Tomorrow
Just days earlier, on June 5—the official date of World Environment Day—PENREO Maguindanao del Norte, led by Forester Faisal Akmad, organized a tree planting of 350 bamboo and dao seedlings and a cleanup drive along the Dimapatoy Riverbank in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat. The activity was supported by local volunteers and partner agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The dual approach of planting and cleaning underscores a holistic understanding of environmental protection—not just restoring ecosystems, but also removing pollutants and preventing further degradation.
A Regionwide Commitment
These local actions are part of the Bangsamoro Urban Forest for Ecological Restoration (BUFER) program, an initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) that aims to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards like flooding and soil erosion. BUFER seeks to integrate green infrastructure across urban and rural areas of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The efforts in Maguindanao reflect MENRE’s broader vision for ecological sustainability and community resilience, recognizing that local action plays a vital role in global environmental challenges.
Plastic Pollution and the Bigger Picture
While the global theme of World Environment Day 2025 was “Ending Plastic Pollution,” the activities in Maguindanao embraced the deeper spirit of the occasion: collective responsibility and grassroots participation. By greening riverbanks, rehabilitating forest lands, and mobilizing young and old alike, the provinces are contributing to a larger environmental movement.
As climate threats grow increasingly urgent, these efforts serve as a reminder that even small acts—planting a tree, picking up trash—can create ripples of positive change.
In the heart of Mindanao, the seeds of sustainability are being sown, quite literally, by the hands of those who believe in a greener, safer future for the next generation.
For more information on the BUFER program and ongoing environmental projects in BARMM, visit MENRE’s official platforms.