As part of its initiative to strengthen community advocacy towards the preservation and protection of the environment and natural resources, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to conduct tree planting activities around the country with some 6,900 seedlings to be planted within the year.  

For a start, a ceremonial tree planting activity was held on January 24 in a mangrove forest in Baseco, Manila where 100 seedlings were planted by DSWD officials and employees led by Disaster Response Management Group Undersecretary Felicisimo Budiongan and Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Encabo. This was part of the month long celebration of the 69^th Founding Anniversary of the Department. A clean-up drive followed the tree planting activity.

This is also in support of the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCAM) program of the department. It was participated by the different offices and bureaus of DSWD Central Office.

The tree planting affirms DSWD’s commitment that the programs of the government are geared towards prompt action to curb the negative impacts of climate change widely affecting the lives of many, not just in the Philippines, but in the entire world.

It is aligned with Section 8 of Republic Act (RA) 10176, otherwise known as the Arbor Day Act of 2012, which stipulates that  “All able-bodied citizens of the Philippines, who are at least twelve (12) years of age, shall be required to plant one (1) tree every year.”

The Department continues to implement activities and projects that will encourage its officials and staff to participate in nation-building. -30-