ARBOR DAY in Zamboanga City @ June 25, 2014

I would like to share some photos during the Arbor Day Celebration in Zamboanga City last June 25, 2014.

June 25 of every year is designated as Arbor Day in the Philippines!

Here is a story I grabbed from the Zamboanga City files on Arbor Day this year 2014:***

City marks Arbor Day with tree planting, tagging mark

Written by Administrator

Thursday, 26 June 2014 09:22

The City Government of Zamboanga spearheaded the massive tree planting effort in consonance with the observance of the Arbor Day na Ciudad de Zamboanga early morning yesterday, June 25 at Sitio Abong Abong in Upper Pasonanca.

Around 7,000 participants from different sectors and organizations flocked to the Climaco Freedom Park to plant an estimated 6,000 mahogany and narra seedlings in the identified planting site in Abong-abong as part of the City’s collective effort to conserve and protect the environment.

An annual celebration which underscores the importance of trees to society, the Arbor Day kicked off with an early opening program, which was followed by the tree planting activity, and the tagging of century and heritage trees.

Mayor Beng Climaco spearheads the tree planting activity in sitio Abong-abong, Upper Pasonanca in observance of Arbor Day Wednesday. JOEY BAUTISTA

A highlight of this year’s celebration was the unveiling of the Tree of Hope which was completed with participants pinning on symbolic leaves containing their declaration of support, commitments, and promises to plant more trees, conserve natural resources, and protect the environment.

In her message, City Mayor Beng Climaco emphasized the continued commitment of the local government to the environment, and extolled participants to do the same.

“We commit to take care of our environment, and the City Government encourages each and everyone to plant a tree,” said Climaco.

Climaco further added that the Arbor Day is an activity which seeks to remind the public, especially the youth, of their responsibility to protect and care for natural resources, and serves as an avenue where individuals can physically contribute and do something for the environment.

An acacia tree in Pasonanca is one of the 12 trees declared and tagged as century tree by Mayor Beng Climaco and representatives from various agencies during Arbor Day Wednesday. JOEY BAUTISTA

Following the massive tree planting efforts, Climaco led the simple tagging rites for 12 trees identified as century and heritage trees. Located in the areas of Pasonanca and Sta. Maria, 9 century and 3 heritage trees were tagged and recognized, as per the provisions of Ordinance 341 which declares the preservation of century and heritage trees in the City.

Joining the massive crowd for the Arbor Day activities were Councilors Roel Natividad, Juan Climaco Elago, Noning Biel, and VP Elago, and the different City department heads. Also present were the representatives of local and national agencies, officials from the military and police commands, and participants from the academe, and different local organizations, and groups.

The celebration of Arbor Day na Ciudad de Zamboanga is pursuant to Ordinance 281 and is in observance of Philippine Arbor Day on June 25 every year.

The ordinance mandates active public participation in tree planting activities. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)

Ciudad Medical Zamboanga shares photos taken as they join the city-wide celebration of Arbor Day 2014.