DENR-PENRO Batangas personnel participated in the Tree Hugging Campaign on February 16, 2023 at Plaza Mabini, Batangas City, hugging forest trees such as Molawin/Molave (Vitex parviflora), Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), and Acacia (Samanea saman) that are present in the area.

Some of the Acacia trees in the vicinity are said to be more than one hundred years old as based on the record, the said trees were planted in as early as 1917.

The Tree Hugging Movement aims to raise awareness about the importance of nurturing forest and the benefits of tree hugging to a person’s well-being.  Study shows that hugging a tree increases levels of hormones that is responsible for the calmness and emotional aspect of a person. Moreover, hugging a tree and spending time around a tree can lower blood pressure and heart rates, improve immunity, and reduce stress and anxiety levels.