Forest for Life: 160th Anniversary of the Philippine Forestry Service (Philippine Environment Month) | Pinoy environmental news

Forests for Life: Philippines Celebrates 160 Years of Forestry Stewardship on Philippine Environment Month

Quezon City – As the nation observes Philippine Environment Month, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joined the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) at the DENR Compound, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City, on June 26, 2023, to commemorate a significant milestone: the 160th Anniversary of the Philippine Forestry Service. The event, held in tandem with Philippine Arbor Day (National Tree Planting Day) on June 25th, served as a powerful reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to its forests and the vital role they play in national life.

The President, a key guest of honor, delivered a keynote address that resonated with the gravity of the occasion. “Our role as custodian of Mother Earth holds much value, especially when united in terms of purpose and of direction,” President Marcos emphasized. “And as such, it is only right that we commemorate your anniversary to further inspire progress in preserving our trees and forests in these coming years.”

This administration-wide commitment to environmental integrity was a central theme. “This administration is committed in ensuring environmental integrity and sustainability for the benefit of our present and future generations,” the Chief Executive declared. He stressed the “critical importance of nurturing deeper consciousness among Filipinos in preserving the environment and addressing problems caused by climate change and centuries of mismanaged resources.”

The President’s words found tangible expression in a symbolic act of environmental commitment. Upon his arrival, President Marcos Jr. planted a Molave Tree (Vitex parviflora) at the DENR’s Environmental Heroes Park. This gesture wasn’t merely ceremonial; it carried a direct call to action for all Filipinos. The President specifically encouraged the planting of native trees like Molave, Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), and Mountain Agoho (Casuarina equisetifolia) to actively contribute to reforestation efforts. These species are crucial for restoring denuded areas and building a “greener and healthier Philippines.”

“I am reminded of the tree planting activity that we conducted on my birthday last year,” President Marcos reflected, connecting the past event to the present anniversary. “And I remember stressing how vital trees are to our existence and how taking care of the environment redounds to the benefit of the present and more importantly, future generations.” This personal anecdote underscored the timeless and essential nature of environmental stewardship.

Recognizing that environmental protection transcends government alone, the President issued a clear call for collaboration. He urged the DENR, other government agencies, and the private sector to “work together in protecting, preserving and managing the country’s limited resources.” He expressed a firm belief that this united effort would result in “Mother Nature taking care of the Philippines for generations to come.”

The 160th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Forestry Service, set against the backdrop of Philippine Environment Month and Arbor Day, serves as both a tribute to a century and a half of dedicated work and a powerful launchpad for future action. The President’s presence, his planting of the Molave tree, and his impassioned plea for unity in conservation send a strong signal: protecting the nation’s forests is not just a legacy of the past, but a fundamental duty essential for the Philippines’ sustainable and resilient future. It is indeed “Forests for Life,” cultivated through unwavering dedication and collective effort.

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