The City Government of Mabalacat through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and in partnership with Don Bosco Academy planted a total of 300 trees in celebration of Arbor Day at the school’s open grounds on Friday, July 8.
Dubbed “Plant trees, Protect the Biodiversity,” the tree planting activity was led by Mayor Crisostomo Garbo, together with Vice Mayor Gerald Aquino, Councilors Rox Peña, Marjorie Sambo, Noel Castro, Timothy Dee and other government employees.
50 each of Balakat, Molare, Kupang, and Alibangbang as well as 25 each of Narra, Bignay, Fire, and Eucalyptus were planted which were donated by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Coronation Premium Manufacturing Inc, and Yokohama Tires.
To continuously raise awareness of the city’s very own Balakat tree, Garbo said Mabalacat City College (MCC) will build a Balakat Sanctuary where CENRO will support the said project to ensure their growth.
Garbo reiterated the importance of urban environmental management and conservation as part of his 12 pillars. He also asked CENRO and the city agricultural office to look for more areas in the city for more tree-planting activities.
“We will bring back the abundance of this tree in our city as we also plan to have their own sanctuary at the MCC,” he said.
“Our city was named after our very own Balakat trees which are all protected by environmental policies and markings. Now, we added 50 more to mark our initial step in cultivating its variety and significance,” he added.
DBA rector Fr. Renato De Guzman assured to nurture the planted trees to ensure growth and sustainability.
