The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Calabarzon through the DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Laguna extends its support to the Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association Theta Chapter of the University of the Philippines-Los Banos for its project “Magtanim nAPO Tayo”.

“Now more than ever, we need collective efforts from our active partners - the Alpha Phi Omega to help us in the DENR, especially here at PENRO Laguna, in maintaining and protecting our environment. Kaya kami po sa PENRO Laguna ay nagpapasalamat sa Alpha Phi Omega na kabalikat natin sa ating mga hangarin na maisaayos ang ating kapaligiran at likas-yaman dito sa lalawigan ng Laguna,” DENR-PENR Officer, Laguna, Ronilo L. Salac said.

APO’s environmental project was launched on June 27, 2020 in celebration of the Philippine Environment Month and Arbor Day.

Themed “Plant a Tree: Enhance Biodiversity”, the project aims to establish a one-hectare plantation of native and indigenous species at the Jamboree site in Mt. Makiling, Los Banos, Laguna.

“We will plant 1,600 seedlings of indigenous trees (such as) Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), Molave (Vitex parviflora), Kamagong (Diospyros blancoi), Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa), and Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum). We have started clearing the one-hectare land near Langkawan hall in BSP (Boy Scouts of the Philippines), Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna,” APO Theta Alumni Association President, Mary Ann Guilatco said.

She said the organization will monitor the seedlings’ growth and will fund the project to ensure that the seedlings will grow into trees one day. “Our vision is to create a tree park that will last for generations to come,” she said.

The organization will protect and maintain the area as a tree park in the next three years.

Simultaneous with the launch of the APO Project, the DENR-PENRO Laguna spearheaded a tree planting activity in Brgy. Bambang, Los, Banos, Laguna, also in celebration of Arbor Day. The said activity was participated in by the 4th Regional Community Defense Group – Army Reserve Command (4RCDG-ARESCOM) and The Fraternal Order of Eagles. A total of 1,700 seedlings of indigenous and native tree species were planted during the activity.

By virtue of the Proclamation No. 237, s. 1988, the month of June was declared as Philippine Environment Month to raise environmental consciousness among Filipinos. On the other hand, Proclamation No. 643, s. 2004 declared every 25th of June as Philippine Arbor Day to promote a healthier ecosystem for the Filipino people through planting activities. ###