Every June 25 of each year is being observed as Philippine Arbor Day in line with Proclamation No. 643, series of 2004; and in this city it was supplemented by City Ordinance No. 281 dubbed as “Arbor Day na Ciudad de Zamboanga” enjoining the active participation of all government agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations, private sector in the business and industries, academe, police, military, civil society groups and communities within the planting site.

This year’s observance was highlighted with the mass tree planting in coordination with the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) was held at Sitio Muruk, Barangay Pasonanca within the buffer zone of the Pasonanca Natural Park.  There was a total 4,000 seedlings planted consisting of indigenous species, such as narra, nato, kalunti, bitanghol and palo maria, among others.  The event was participated by 1,204 individuals spearhead by the City Mayor along with the staff of the LGU-Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) of the City Government of Zamboanga.  

As we celebrate Arbor Day in the city, the month of June is declared as Philippine Environment Month and June 5 is declared as World Environment Day. The regular annual greening project by the city formed part of its shared responsibility with the national government in upland and mangrove forest areas rehabilitation of open or denuded areas which may enhance its water retention capacity, as carbon sinks, reduce threats or impact of climate change, e.g. disaster risk reduction and heat absorption due to global warming.