ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte led a historic milestone on Wednesday, October 15, as her flagship initiative, “PagbaBAGo: A Million Learners and Trees Campaign,” reached its one-millionth tree planted during a massive tree-planting drive held at the Cesar C. Climaco Freedom Park in Pasonanca.
Joined by Mayor Khymer Olaso, Vice Mayor Beng Climaco, city officials, and hundreds of volunteers, Duterte reaffirmed her commitment to environmental sustainability and youth empowerment. She described the milestone as not only a campaign achievement but also a legacy for future generations.
“We planted 3,000 trees in just five minutes,” Duterte said, expressing gratitude to Mayor Olaso, Vice Mayor Climaco, city officials, and the Zamboangueños for their strong support to the initiatives of the Office of the Vice President (OVP). “Ang mga puno na itinanim natin ay maipapamana natin para sa mga anak natin,” she added, underscoring that the trees symbolize hope and shared responsibility for the next generation.
Zamboanga City was chosen as the ceremonial site for the one-millionth tree, a goal achieved in only three years—half the time originally projected. The success reflects the collective effort of thousands of volunteers, students, and partner communities nationwide working to rehabilitate watersheds and strengthen climate resilience.
Mayor Olaso lauded the Vice President for selecting Zamboanga City to mark the occasion and announced that the city government has allocated ₱10 million to support agricultural and environmental initiatives aimed at boosting local sustainability efforts.
The seedlings—comprising fruit-bearing trees such as rambutan, lanzones, atis, mangosteen, and others—were provided by the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR). Each participating office was assigned a specific tree to plant, symbolizing unity and stewardship across sectors.
Following the tree-planting activity, Duterte also led the Mag-Negosyo Ta ‘Day (MTD) Awarding and PagbaBAGo Bags distribution at Pasonanca Elementary School. A total of 526 learners received school bags as part of the education component of the program.
Under the livelihood assistance segment, 10 individual beneficiaries and one group were recognized and granted financial support. Each individual received ₱15,000, while the group beneficiary, Campo Vida Agricultural Learning Center, Inc., received ₱150,000 for its contributions to women’s leadership and agricultural development.
The individual awardees from Zamboanga Sibugay were Opalyn Sampang, Arseñia Camillo, Ruth Sampang (Ipil), and Felix Buot, Reynald Bunagan, Gemma Manulat, Louvelle Mangisay, Perlito Restillador, and Jezel Pizon (Diplahan). From Zamboanga City, the beneficiary was Rolando De Leon.
Among those who joined the activities were the city’s First and Second District Councilors, OVP Western Mindanao Satellite Office Head Mike Saavedra, city department heads, representatives from national agencies, NGOs, private institutions, and the academe.
After the event, the Vice President proceeded to Cesar C. Climaco’s tomb at the Freedom Park, where she led a wreath-laying and prayer offering in honor of the late mayor known as the “Legendary CCC.” She was accompanied by Mayor Olaso, Vice Mayor Climaco, and members of the Climaco family. Duterte expressed her admiration for the late mayor’s enduring legacy of public service and dedication to the people of Zamboanga City.
Later that day, Duterte paid a courtesy visit to Zamboanga City Hall, where she was warmly welcomed by local officials and employees. She signed the guest book and penned a message of goodwill for the Zamboangueños. The Vice President then met with city councilors, barangay captains, and other leaders, who expressed appreciation for her continued support to the city’s programs and initiatives.
The day’s events showcased not only the OVP’s environmental and livelihood efforts but also the Vice President’s solidarity with Zamboanga City—honoring its heritage, empowering its communities, and reinforcing her call for collective action toward a more sustainable and hopeful future.