MABALACAT CITY — A total of 300 trees were planted by the city government through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in celebration of Arbor Day at the Don Bosco Academy open grounds on July 8.
Dubbed “Plant trees, Protect the Biodiversity,” the tree planting activity was led by Mayor Crisostomo Garbo, together with Vice Mayor Gerald Aquino, Councilors Rox Peña, Marjorie Sambo, Noel Castro, Timothy Dee and other government employees.
Fifty each of balakat, molare, kupang, and alibangbang as well as 25 each of narra, bignay, fire, and eucalyptus — which were donated by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Coronation Premium Manufacturing Inc, and Yokohama Tires — were planted.
To continuously raise awareness on the city’s very own balakat tree, Garbo said Mabalacat City College (MCC) will build a Balakat Sanctuary which will be supported by CENRO to ensure their growth.
Garbo reiterated the importance of urban environmental management and conservation as part of his 12 pillars. He also asked CENRO and the city agricultural office to look for more areas in the city where they can plant more trees.
“Our city was named after the balakat trees which are all protected by environmental policies and markings. Now, we added 50 more to mark our initial step in cultivating its variety and significance,” he added.
DBA rector Fr. Renato De Guzman assured to nurture the planted trees to ensure growth and sustainability.
