Celebration of the 162nd Anniversary of the Philippine Forestry Service and ARBOR DAY

Photo by Mario D. Oclaman //Filipino News Sentinel

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Cordillera  (DENR-CAR) conducted a Tree Planting activity in celebration of ARBOR DAY, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, held at Shilan, La Trinidad, Benguet.

The assembly was held at the DENR-CAR Regional Office grounds for a short program.

Ms. Elizabeth B. Antolin – Regional NGP Coordinator acknowledges the participation of valued partners from other government agencies and private institutions:

The participants are The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC-CAR), Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA), Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), (BCPO-CMFC), Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), Philippines Association for Teachers and Educators, Inc. (PAFTE), Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP), Benguet State University (BSU), King College of the Philippines (KCP), Saint Louis University (SLU), University of the Cordilleras (UC), Bureau of Fire Protection CAR Baguio City Fire Station (BFP-CAR), Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE), Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME), Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC), and Philippine National Police – Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO-CAR)

Ms. Antolin read the message of the Regional Executive Director, Engr. Paquito T. Moreno.

“We stand united under one purpose: to nurture life, safeguard our environment, and inspire future generations through this simple yet powerful act of planting trees.

Arbor Day is not merely an event on the calendar – it is a reminder of our obligation as stewards of the land, especially here in the Cordillera Administrative Region, where our forests are vital not only to our cultural heritage but to our survival.

Each tree we plant today is a seed of commitment, a symbol of our dedication to ecological balance, climate resilience, and intergenerational responsibility.

It is also a testament to the strong collaboration among government agencies, private institutions, and civil society.

To our DENR-CAR Regional Office employees, I thank you for your dedication and leadership in pushing forward our environmental agenda. To our field offices and line bureaus, your consistent work on the ground ensures that our forests are not only protected but also continuously restored.

And to our partners – from the sectors of education, health, engineering, public safety, civic organizations and media – thank you for showing that environmental protection is not the work of one agency alone, but a shared mission that transcends profession, institution and background.

“Let today be more than a ceremonial gesture. Let it renew in us a deeper commitment to environmental action – one that is sustained, inclusive, and rooted in community cooperation.

“Together. let us grow not only trees, but a legacy of unity and care for our planet.

“Mabuhay ang ating kailkasan. Mabuhay ang Arbor Day 2025. Mabuhay tayong lahat.

After the orientation on tree planting and site briefing by Erika W. Fidel and Philip Jay B. Pay-oen, they proceeded to the planting site.

A total of 1,009 pine seedlings and Arabica coffee were planted, and 328 people were able to plant in Sitio Tacdian, Shilan, La Trinidad.

Through this meaningful initiative, we stand united in promoting environmental sustainability and protecting the environment. # Mario Oclaman //FNS