There are many possible ways to build a healthy, sustainable nation, and one of them is helping in the protection and conservation of environment. While this can be a pretty tall order, one of the easiest ways to do it is by planting more trees—or even at least one.
In fact, there is a law that requires every Filipino to plant one tree each year.
According to Section 8 of Republic Act No. 10176, also known as the Arbor Day Act of 2012, “All able-bodied citizens of the Philippines, who are at least 12 years of age, shall be required to plant one tree every year.”
Aside from helping “protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology,” if every Filipino, from age 12, planted a tree every year, the country can be shielded from calamities while having more than enough supply to meet the demands of the local forest industry.
The Philippine Wood Producers Association, the national association of companies, corporations, partnerships, and individuals involved in forest management, further explains the importance of planting trees in ensuring there is a balance between the needs of the people and the viability of the forests.
Planting trees helps support ecosystems. Forests are known as the lungs of our planet. These absorb more carbon dioxide and other potentially harmful gasses including sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide from the air and release oxygen. They also provide habitat and food for animals ensuring the diversity of flora and fauna on our planet.
Trees serve as shields against calamities. Planting more trees, especially in the rural and upland areas of the country, helps minimize the impact of natural disasters, reduces landslides, keeps the ground fertile, and slows down mudflows. These trees can also absorb rain on the mountain slopes, preventing casualties during dangerous typhoons.
It increases biodiversity. Pushing for bills such as the Sustainable Forest Management Act and joining causes that advocate tree planting can secure natural sustainability for all life forms.
Production of responsibly sourced wood contributes to the country’s economic growth. Aside from making a more sustainable Philippines, trees can also help propel our economy forward. From the development of plantations to the harvest of mature trees, the entire process requires manpower, which PWPA asserts will then create jobs and provide more stable and dependable income sources. It will also produce raw materials needed for furniture and building infrastructures that will last, therefore making way for business opportunities locally and internationally.
“Trees really play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of our country,” opined PWPA chairman Charlie H. Liu.
He added, “We believe that by taking care of trees and our forest, we can ensure that countless generations of Filipinos can still enjoy the blessings of Mother Nature. We also know that if we take care of our forests, it can help countless Filipinos who depend on the forestry sector and in wood production as their primary source of livelihood.”