Students, faculty members and non-teaching personnel from some 4,071 public schools in the Bicol region are set to participate in a nationwide tree planting activity on Wednesday as part of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) project dubbed “DepEd’s 236,000 Trees – A Christmas Gift for the Children”.

In an interview on Tuesday, Mayflor Marie Jumamil, DepEd-Bicol spokesperson, said they target to plant at least 20,355 trees in support of the project.

“The trees will be planted in their school’s premises, unless ang school wala nang space na pagtataniman, the barangay and local environment and natural resources offices ang mag-identify ng site kung saan sila mag tree-planting (the school no longer has space for planting, the barangay and local environment and natural resources offices will identify the site where they will plant trees),” Jumamil said.

She said the project aims to promote environmental preservation and instill this responsibility among Filipino children.

“The initiative aims to simultaneously plant over 236,000 trees nationwide involving 47,678 public schools under DepEd,” Jumamil said.

DepEd-Bicol Director Gilbert Sadsad underscored the importance of supporting the event, highlighting its unique educational opportunities for students to engage in tree planting activities.

“Every school is requested to plant at least five trees, including fruit-bearing, native Philippine species trees and mangroves. They can utilize seedlings from their nurseries or acquire them directly from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office” Sadsad said in a statement.

He added the tree planting event serves as a meaningful Christmas gift from the DepEd as it contributes to a clean and green environment for Filipino children and the future generations.

“This hands-on experience fosters a deeper understanding of environmental issues and encourages conservation efforts, instilling a sense of responsibility towards the environment,” Sadsad said. (PNA)