In celebration of the International Day of Biological Diversity on May 22, 2019, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources CALABARZON conducted a press conference and a tree planting activity in the vicinity of the Regional Office located at Brgy. Mayapa, Calamba City. Species such as Banaba, Bani, Ipil, Talisay, Teak, Molave, and Bamboo, with a total of 53 seedlings were planted.

During the press conference, RED Maria Paz G. Luna, focused on the agency’s two innovation, composting revolution for healthy biodiversity and rich soils and planting of flowering native trees to attract birds and bees.

RED Luna disclosed that up to 62% of the region’s wastes remain unmanaged and 30% of the unmanaged wastes can be reduced through composting. She introduced the concept of circular economy by giving the vertical food garden, as an example.

Meanwhile, the tree planting activity aims to attract birds and bees so that they increase the biodiversity in the area. Luna reminded that “Biodiversity is not just in the forests. Biodiversity should also be here.”

The Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) released a report that we are facing possible extinction of one million plants and animals in the near future, as early as one decade from now (article can be accessed here).  Luna added that the next 12 years are the only years left for people to change our behavior. She reminds everyone, “We don’t have time.”

Luna encourages people to change the way we address climate change, “we used to think, ang masukal ay kailangang putulin, ngayon hindi na po linisin, kailangan pasukalin ulit.”

DENR CALABARZON is urging the public to join the composting revolution and to plant flowering native trees. Meanwhile, report Environment and Natural Resources-related cases via hotline 8888,  sms to +639456215007/ +639083340224, email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or send us photos, videos and other information via https://www.facebook.com/DENR4AOfficial/ #DENRCalabarzon #TayoAngKalikasan