Mabalacat City, Pampanga – On the first Friday of July, in accordance with section 12 of city ordinance number 45 series of 2016, the Mabalacat City Government celebrated Arbor Day with great enthusiasm and a commitment to environmental conservation.
The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), in collaboration with the City Youth Development Office (CYDO), organized a tree-planting activity and a lecture on solid waste management systems under the theme “Make Change, think Green (MCG): Plant Trees to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint.”
Led by Mayor Crisostomo Garbo, the Arbor Day event took place at the Balacat tree sanctuary located in Sitio Haduan, Barangay Marcos Village. The sanctuary, known for its lush greenery and diverse flora, provided the perfect setting for this significant environmental celebration.
Mayor Cris Garbo, along with Vice Mayor Gerald Guttrie Aquino, and the members of Sangguniang Panlunsod: Cherry Manalo, Jerry Magsino, Noel Castro, Rox Peña, Carlo Dizon, and LNB President Elmer Mendiola, City Administrator- Franco Alejo Madlangbayan, department heads, unit heads, government employees, BFP Chief Inspector- Shiela Marie Florendo, reigning Miss Mabalacat – Stacey David, CYDO registered youth organizations, Mabalacat City College with Ms. Carol Arboleda, Department of Science and Technology with ARD – Wilfredo Sibal, TECO Industrial Park, National University Organizations, Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office representatives, Marcos Village IPMR – Ruvielane Margarit with Sitio Haduan Chieftain – Roy Tanglao, and Sangguniang Tribong Aeta Mag-Antsi, came together to plant trees and learn about sustainable environmental practices.
The City Agriculture Office headed by Jeam Espanta also played a vital role in the event by providing 250 Balacat seedlings, contributing to the city’s reforestation efforts. These seedlings, carefully selected to thrive in the local climate, will help replenish the city’s green spaces and contribute to protect the watershed and to its overall ecological balance.
The tree-planting activity symbolized the city’s dedication to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability. By planting trees, the participants aimed to reduce carbon dioxide levels, mitigate the effects of global warming, and create a greener and healthier environment for future generations.
Moreover, the lecture on solid waste management systems by the CENRO Head, Jesusa M. Santiago, highlighted the importance of responsible waste disposal and using our modern methods to take care of the environment, including the spreading of awareness through social media. Recognizing the pressing need to address the country’s waste management challenges, the event provided valuable insights and practical tips to encourage residents to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.
For his part, Mayor Garbo expressed his gratitude to everyone who participated in the Arbor Day celebration, emphasizing the significance of collective action in preserving the environment.
He stated, “Our city’s commitment to environmental conservation is unwavering. By planting trees and embracing sustainable practices, we can create a greener and more sustainable Mabalacat City for ourselves and future generations.”
The Arbor Day celebration served as a reminder of the city’s dedication to environmental preservation and sustainable development. It demonstrated the government’s proactive approach to addressing environmental concerns and encouraged Mabalaquenians to actively participate in building a better and greener future.
As Mabalacat City continues to prioritize environmental initiatives, the Arbor Day celebration stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to protecting its natural resources and promoting a sustainable way of life. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, Mabalacat City aims to inspire other cities and municipalities to follow suit in their pursuit of environmental stewardship.
