The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will lead a nationwide effort to plant three million trees on Thursday, in observance of Philippine Arbor Day.

In a news release Wednesday, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna underscored the role of collective action in building greener and more climate-resilient communities in 1,642 cities and municipalities nationwide.

“Anchored on the theme “Luntiang Bukas,” this year’s celebration will highlight the role of every Filipino in creating greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient communities through collective action,” he said.

Observed every June 25 under Republic Act 10176, Philippine Arbor Day serves as a nationwide call for citizens and institutions alike to contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development through tree-growing activities.

“Together with conservation partners and the local government units (LGUs), DENR’s nationwide effort will cover 1,538.11 hectares of land, contributing to ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, and climate resilience,” Cuna said.

The DENR expects around 188,000 participants from government agencies, LGUs, civil society organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and local communities to join the initiative.

Native and indigenous tree species, fruit-bearing trees, mangroves, and other suitable species will be planted in urban areas, public spaces, schools, forests, watersheds, and coastal communities.

Cuna said the large-scale effort reflects a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and climate action.

The DENR said the nationwide activity forms part of broader efforts to restore ecosystems and expand green spaces through its 5 Million Trees Program and the implementation of Local Government Unit Forest Land Use Plans (FLUPs).

Cuna will lead the national Arbor Day celebration at the Gomburza National Monument along Padre Burgos Avenue in Manila together with Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Domagoso, while simultaneous tree-planting activities will take place across the country.

Local activities will be documented through geo-tagged photographs and will be featured in a nationwide social media live relay.

The DENR said the tree-planting drive supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen environmental protection, restore degraded ecosystems, and promote sustainable development. (PNA)