PBMM leads tree planting program on his 65th birthday

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. celebrated his 65th birthday by planting a tree at San Mateo, Rizal.

The “Buhayin ang Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan” tree planting initiative in Region 4-A (Calabarzon) was officially launched on Tuesday morning by Marcos at the former sanitary dump in Pintong Bukawe hamlet in San Mateo, Rizal.

Recognizing the need for environmental preservation, Marcos explained that the tree-planting event was arranged to give his birthday celebration greater significance.

The challenges we hurdled in recent years highlighted the fact that we have one Earth. We must spare no effort to ensure that it survives in the years to come,” Marcos said in his keynote speech.

“We have to do this as a concrete step that we take so that nature is cared for because it desperately needs that care and it desperately needs that attention. As such, I gladly welcome each of you as we kick start this simple yet impactful undertaking, a nationwide simultaneous tree planting activity,” he added.

In some areas of Calabarzon, the tree planting initiative seeks to plant over 8,000 seedlings and bamboo planting supplies.

Marcos planted a bamboo plant stock after finishing his speech.

“Trees and plants in general are vital to human existence. They take in the air we breathe out so they might give air that we breathe in. I thus wish that as we appreciate the impact of this endeavor, we also see it for the symbolic gesture that it is. It is a reminder for us to see past our personal interest and have the future in sight. It is a reminder for us to move behind the obstacles that we face and act always with love and compassion for our fellow Filipinos,” Marcos said.

Marcos also expressed gratitude to the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for arranging the event.

He also expressed appreciation to non-governmental and members of civil society who took part in the simultaneous planting of trees.

“This initiative will greatly help in raising awareness on environmental welfare and protection,” he said. “Your presence in the selected areas across the country shows your commitment to prioritize mother earth and encourage everyone to unite for her benefit.”

Other tree planting sites besides the former San Mateo sanitary landfill are Taytay hamlet in Majayjay, Laguna, Trece Martires City in Cavite, Kinalaglagan Mataas na Kahoy in Batangas, and Sta. Village of Lucia in Dolores, Quezon.