June 25, 2026 | Tinongdan, Itogon — The Local Government Unit of Itogon, led by Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, joined the nationwide observance of Philippine Arbor Day on Thursday by planting 600 tree seedlings in Sitio Ongkalew, Barangay Tinongdan.
The tree-planting activity brought together government agencies, private sector partners, and community stakeholders in a collective effort to promote environmental protection.
Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Gerard S. Cornel explained that the word arbor is derived from the Latin word meaning “tree.” He shared that Philippine Arbor Day is observed every June 25 pursuant to the Arbor Day Act of 2012, which promotes annual tree-planting activities and environmental awareness across the country.
Cornel jokingly clarified that Arbor Day has nothing to do with the Tagalog slang “arbor,” which is commonly used to refer to asking for something for free.
Participants planted a variety of fruit-bearing and native tree species, including ylang-ylang, guyabano, narra, rambutan, langka, star apple, and tibig, the municipality’s official tree.
The seedlings were nurtured at the Municipal Agriculture Office nursery in Ayusip, Poblacion, while additional seedlings were provided through the support of Councilor Norberto Pacio.
Mayor Waclin expressed his gratitude to all participating agencies and organizations for supporting the initiative. He emphasized that the trees planted today represent an investment in the future and expressed hope that the benefits and fruits of these trees will be enjoyed by generations to come.
Meanwhile, Cornel underscored that Arbor Day symbolizes the community’s collective commitment to environmental stewardship, stating that tree planting is not only for us today but for the generations to come.
Representing the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Lower Agno Watershed Forest Reserve (LAWFR) Protected Area Superintendent Evelyn Wales delivered the message of DENR-CAR Regional Executive Director Engr. Paquito T. Moreno Jr., highlighting the agency’s Luntian Bukas (Green Tomorrow) campaign. The initiative encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to become partners in building a greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient future.
Moreno said the Philippine Arbor Day serves as a reminder of the important role trees play in protecting watersheds, preventing soil erosion, improving air quality, and helping mitigate the impacts of climate change. It also encourages communities to take an active role in environment protection for the future generations.
Among those who joined the activity were Committee on Environment Councilor Albert Carantes Jr., Claire Pawid of DENR CAR, representatives from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Baguio, Suyo Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Itogon Municipal Police Station, EOD-K9 Unit, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Itogon, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Itogon, San Miguel Global Power Corporation, Philippine Medical Association, and the Barangay Local Government Unit of Virac.
