Tree Planting Program: Towards the Betterment of Baguio’s Environment

BY: Pamela Marie Gutierrez

BAGUIO CITY- More than 20,000 seedlings have been planted by participating government and non-government units here after the implementation of the Tree Planting Ordinance.

The ordinance declared the months of June, July, August, and September of each year as “tree planting months” with the month of June as the beginning for tree planting. It was introduced by Councilor Erdolfo Balajadia, which he co-authored with Councilor Leandro Yangot last year.

It aims to instill awareness among the people about the present state of the environment and promote the best practices on environmental protection.

“Last year we were able to plant 20,000 pine tree seedlings and 4,000 fruit-bearing seedlings and for this year, I am optimistic that we will reach the target of planting more than 30,000 seedlings,” Councilor Balajadia said.

He is continuing to encourage the residents of Baguio to contribute to the City government’s tree planting program. “Just imagine if we are able to plant 30,000 trees per year, then in ten years, we would have 300,000 trees planted. In that way, Baguio would have better air quality and water supply so I am hopeful that people will help plant trees because this is for their own sake, “he said.

Meanwhile, the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO), together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR), Baguio Regreening Program, and Regional Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee are the lead partner agencies of the City Government for its tree-planting program.

The tree-planting program of Baguio City has a budget of P250, 000 yearly.