The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday reported that 141,880 seedlings were planted across Western Visayas during the Arbor Day celebration and the launch of the Luntiang Bukas Initiative on June 25.

Data from DENR-6 (Western Visayas) showed that Antique planted 48,689 seedlings; Iloilo with 37,692; Aklan with 30,489; Capiz added 19,371; and Guimaras, 5,630 seedlings.

“The simultaneous planting activities focused heavily on sustainability and biodiversity, utilizing a thoughtful mix of native, indigenous, and fruit-bearing trees, alongside vital mangrove species designed to protect the region’s vulnerable coastlines,” the DENR-6 said.

DENR-6 OIC-Regional Executive Director Ramar Niel Pascua lauded the overwhelming success of the simultaneous operations, emphasizing that environmental protection is a collective responsibility.

“Environmental restoration cannot be achieved by a single agency alone, and that when people plant a tree, they are planting hope, security, and life for the generations to come, underscoring that it is only through working together today that the region can cultivate a Luntiang Bukas – a green, sustainable, and resilient tomorrow for Western Visayas,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo Provincial Government and the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Iloilo signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote tree planting and environmental protection.

The partnership combines the Tanum Iloilo for MoRProGRes (Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Competitive and Resilient Province of Iloilo) program of the provincial government and the Eco Champions Program of DepEd Iloilo.

The signatories were Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. for the Province of Iloilo and Ruby Therese Almencion, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Schools Division Superintendent for DepEd Iloilo.

The partnership aims to encourage more people, especially students, to care for the environment while helping increase tree cover, improve food security, and make Iloilo a greener and more resilient province.

Under the partnership, the provincial government will provide technical support, training on how to grow and care for seedlings, and supply endemic and fruit-bearing seedlings from its nurseries.

Meanwhile, DepEd Iloilo will carry out the Eco Champions Program in all public elementary, integrated, and secondary schools in the province. (PNA)