The city government of Zamboanga under the leadership of Mayor John Dalipe intends to plant 12,500 indigenous trees in the mountain ranges of Barangay Lumayang on Arbor Day this coming Sunday, June 25.

City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Engr. Reynaldo S. Gonzales has sent out letters inviting community leaders and other stakeholders to participant in the tree-planting activity in celebration of Arbor Day with this year’s theme “Trees are Terrific…in all Shapes and Sizes.”

A five-hectare protected land in Sitio Brea, Barangay Lumayang has been identified to be planted with 12,500 indigenous trees, notably narra, nato and palo maria.

The tree-planting activity will start at 6am on Sunday. The participants are encouraged to bring extra clothing, jacket and/or raincoat.

Arbor Day, which literally translates to “tree” day from the Latin origin of the word arbor, celebrates the planting, upkeep and preservation of trees. For centuries, communities spanning the globe have found various ways to honor nature and environment.

In Zamboanga City, it is celebrated with a tree-planting activity spearheaded by the local government unit and widely supported by various groups from government and private sectors.-[Vic Larato]