Tree planting now a must for able-bodied Parañaque residents

OLIVAREZ. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines–The Parañaque government has made it mandatory for able-bodied residents who are at least 12 years old to plant one tree annually.

According to Mayor Edwin Olivarez, he signed into law on Sunday City Ordinance 14-20 Series of 2014, which requires all residents who fit the category to contribute to the city’s environmental program.

In turn, the program aims to help the national government meet its target of planting 1.5 billion seedlings on 1.5 million hectares of public lands until 2016.

Olivarez said under the ordinance authored by Councilor Florencia “Beng” Amurao, the city council’s majority leader, Parañaque’s 16 barangays (villages) were tasked to find suitable public lands where qualified residents can plant trees.

They will also be responsible for maintaining the planting grounds and to take care of the seedlings until these have grown.

“By making sure that the seedlings are cared for until they grow into sturdy trees, we are confident that our collective endeavor will not be just a waste of time and resources,” Olivarez said.

He added that the ordinance also declared Aug. 14 of every year as Parañaque City Arbor Day in recognition of the need to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

“We need to encourage and constantly remind our people that it is our duty to protect the environment and everyone can contribute to this noble cause simply by planting one tree every year,” Olivarez said.