South Cotabato – June 25, 2025 — Thousands of tree seedlings were planted across the Soccsksargen Region on Wednesday as part of the nationwide celebration of Arbor Day, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12.
DENR-12 Regional Executive Director Atty. Felix S. Alicer highlighted the importance of the event in fostering collective environmental responsibility and forest rehabilitation efforts.
“There is an urgent need to protect our environment, and everyone has a role to play. Arbor Day gives us an opportunity to call on the public to take part in rehabilitating and protecting our forests,” Alicer said.
Based on reports from DENR-12’s regional and field offices, a total of 5,375 tree seedlings were planted during the day-long tree-growing activities. The seedlings included various indigenous and native species such as molave, narra, kanalum, bayok, nato, kamagong, bayog, pagatpat, and bamboo.
The event drew strong support from more than 900 participants representing local government units, national government and law enforcement agencies, people’s organizations, private companies, academic institutions, and community-based groups across Region 12.
Arbor Day is observed annually under Republic Act No. 10176, which encourages every Filipino to plant trees as part of a national movement to restore degraded ecosystems and bolster climate resilience. The law underscores the critical role of trees in maintaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and ensuring a healthier future for all.
DENR Region 12 officials expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and said that the region will continue to intensify tree-growing campaigns throughout the year as part of its broader greening and environmental protection efforts.