𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗦𝗞𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧 𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗬

BAGUIO CITY – (July 8, 2021) – The city council in a resolution is requesting all organizers of tree planting initiatives in the city to  conduct an orientation to the planters prior to their tree planting activities in coordination with any of the following:

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Baguio Water District (BWD), City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO), or other concerned offices.

Councilor Vladimir Cayabas, main author of the resolution, said proper planting is essential in the survival of the saplings, thus the need to conduct an orientation to the planters.

The orientation shall cover the environmental significance of the tree planting initiative, the proper way of planting seedlings, proper spacing to ensure a higher survival rate, and planters’ safety precautions, among others.

Cayabas expressed appreciation to the various non-profit groups, companies, churches, schools, and volunteer organizations that have been consistently active in organizing environmental-related initiatives such as tree planting activities.

He underscored the importance of tree planting, saying it is an expression of sincere care and utmost concern to the environment. He cited the report of CEPMO that Baguio City has only 23% forested area, a far cry from the ideal urban forest cover which is 30% to 40% of the total land of an urban area as per a study.

Aside from diminishing the unfavorable effects of climate change, the conduct of tree planting activities further strengthens the camaraderie of individuals in communities, the councilor stressed. -Jordan G. Habbiling