Mayor Beng Climaco urged residents anew to take an active role in protecting the environment and preserving the city’s natural resources.

Mayor Climaco joined the 1,300 participants of the Arbor Day na Zamboanga activity Tuesday morning, June 25, which saw the collective effort of Zamboangueños to plant trees in the identified 2-hectare area in the Pasonanca National Park protected area.

The chief executive said planting trees greatly helps the environment and the planet, while encouraging community participation in environmental and natural resources conservation efforts. Trees have social, economic, and environmental benefits, and contributes greatly to the overall well-being of life in the planet.

A total of 4,500 seedlings of indigenous species like palomaria, narra, and nato were successfully planted during the city’s observance of the national Arbor Day.

The Arbor Day in Zamboanga City is pursuant to City Ordinance 281, which likewise draws on section 8 of Republic Act 10176, an act reviving the observance of Arbor Day.

The activity aims to promote a healthier ecosystem and encourage tree planting for the protection, preservation, and conservation of the environment. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)