SANTA ROSA, Nueva Ecija – Couples who will undergo counselling, a requisite for marriage, are encouraged to bring one tree seedling each as donationin this bustling Nueva Ecija town.
Per Executive Order No. 29-2020 issued by Mayor Josefino Angeles on August 29, 2020, “the male and female applicants undergoing pre-marriage counselling are encouraged to each donate a tree seedling.”
The seedling shall be received by the municipal social welfare and development office which, in collaboration with the municipal environment and natural resources office, will identify the planting site, according to the EO that was made public Monday.
Angeles cited the destruction of forests that “has resulted to in the loss of biodiversity, erratic climate change, strong typhoons, flood, siltation of rivers,” in explaining the need for the EO.
“Whereas, the 1987 Philippine Constitution declares that the State has an ‘obligation to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,” EO 29 also reads.
It also underscored the mandate of Republic Act 10176, otherwise known as Arbor Day Act of 2012, to all provinces, cities and municipalities to observe Arbor Day by planting trees at public and private (with the permission of the owner) lots.
