To celebrate World Environment Month, the local government of Muntinlupa took the lead in planting 2,000 tress across different communities along with a citywide cleanup drive with civic and non-government organizations.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Conservation and Development Division chief Arturo Calderon, and Laguna Lake Development Authority Community Development Officer Marigold del Prado spearheaded the tree planting activity at Filinvest City, Alabang on Friday simultaneous with other volunteers in nine barangays.
Fresnedi said in the ceremony that following this year’s Environment Month theme “Connecting People to Nature,” everyone is accountable and should take responsibility in caring for the environment.
The mayor hopes that Muntinlupa residents will look after and nurture the trees planted in their areas.
Filinvest Alabang Inc. Facilities Management head Engr. Daniel Jacinto also attended the activity, and noted that the event should not just be a tree planting ceremony but a tree growing initiative.
The Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Office planted 15 species of trees in identified open spaces for the citywide activity. Putat trees, a species found in Muntinlupa, were also used in the activity in the hope of propagating it.
Volunteers from private companies and members of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police also conducted cleanup drives in local rivers and esteros within the city.
The citywide tree planting and cleanup drive is a culmination activity of the local environmental cluster for the World Environment Month. The cluster organized activities, which include an Environment “Amazing Race,” a Quiz Bee, and seminars.