DENR targets 3 million trees planted on Arbor Day

MANILA, June 24, 2026 — In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen environmental protection, restore degraded ecosystems, and promote sustainable development, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will lead the nationwide celebration of Philippine Arbor Day tomorrow with a target to plant three million trees nationwide.

Native and indigenous tree species, fruit-bearing trees, mangroves, and other suitable species will be planted in urban areas, public spaces, schools, forests, watersheds, and coastal communities across 1,642 cities and municipalities across the country, according to DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna.

“Together with conservation partners and the local government units (LGUs), DENR’s nationwide effort will cover 1,538.11 hectares of land, contributing to ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, and climate resilience,” Secretary Cuna said.

The activity on June 25 will mobilize over 188,000 participants from government agencies, LGUs, civil society organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and local communities, demonstrating broad public support for environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Secretary Cuna will lead the tree-planting activity at the Gomburza National Monument along Padre Burgos Avenue in Manila.

Anchored on the theme “Luntiang Bukas,” this year’s celebration will highlight the role of every Filipino in creating greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient communities through collective action.

The Arbor Day celebration likewise supports the DENR’s 5 Million Trees Program and the implementation of Local Government Unit Forest Land Use Plans (FLUPs), advancing long-term efforts to restore ecosystems and expand green spaces throughout the country.

To promote transparency and showcase nationwide participation, local activities will be documented through geo-tagged photographs and shared through a nationwide social media live relay, highlighting the scale of community involvement and environmental action across the archipelago.

Observed every June 25 pursuant to Republic Act No. 10176, Philippine Arbor Day serves as a nationwide call to action for environmental protection, forest restoration, and sustainable development by encouraging government agencies, local governments, organizations, institutions, and individual citizens to participate in tree-growing activities.

Press release from DENR: https://denr.gov.ph/news-events/denr-targets-3-million-trees-planted-on-arbor-day/