Tree planting now a mandatory for all residents in Paranaque

The City of Parañaque has made it mandatory for all able-bodied residents who are at least 12 years old to plant one tree every year as part of the city government’s greening and environmental protection program.

Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez said he has signed into law City Ordinance 14-20 Series of 2014 mandating residents to plant a tree annually. The measure also aims to help meet the national government’s target of planting 1.5 billion seedlings in 1.5 million hectares of public lands until 2016.

Olivarez said under the ordinance, the city’s 16 barangays are tasked to find suitable public lands within their respective areas of jurisdiction where residents, especially those who do not have suitable spaces of their own, can plant trees to comply with the mandate.

The barangays are also mandated to maintain the planting sites and take care of the seedlings until they are fully grown.

“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.

“This is not only for us but for our future generations. By making sure that the seedlings are cared for until they grow into sturdy trees, we are confident that our collective endeavour will not be just a waste of time and resources,” the mayor added.

Authored by Councilor Florencia “Beng” Amurao, the City Council’s Majority Leader, the ordinance also declared August 14 of every year as Parañaque City Arbor Day to serve as a reminder about the urgent need to mitigate global warming and create a healthier environment.

Amurao, who chairs the Council’s committee on environment, cited Executive Order 26 issued in 2011 requiring all government agencies, non-government organizations, civil society groups, academic institutions and the private sector to work together and harmonize efforts to achieve the target of planting 1.5 billion seedlings until 2016.

Likewise, she cited Republic Act 10176, also known as the Arbor Day Act of 2012, mandating all able-bodied citizens who are at least 12 years old to plant one tree every year.

Public Information Office

City Government of Parañaque

829-0866/826-0011