MENRE Supports Tree Planting and Growing Activity in Camp Iranon, MDN

COTABATO CITY (June 28, 2025) — In celebration of Philippine Arbor Day, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE), along with its Forest Management Services (FMS) and the Provincial ENRE Office of Maguindanao del Norte, provided 600 seedlings for a Tree Planting and Growing Activity held at Camp Iranon (formerly Camp Abubakar) in Barira on Wednesday, June 25.

The event was organized by Kutawato Greenland Initiatives, Inc. (KGI) in partnership with MENRE, other BARMM agencies, local government units, youth groups, and peace stakeholders. It included storytelling sessions from decommissioned combatants and youth leaders, peace message writing, and ceremonial tree planting. This initiative also aimed to contribute to long-term reforestation and biodiversity protection in the BARMM region.

Forester Aladin Esmael, representing MENRE, emphasized the importance of planting trees not only for environmental benefits but also for improving our lives. He reiterated that, as stewards of the environment, it is our collective responsibility to protect our ecosystems and the flora and fauna within them, viewing this as an act of worship.

To ensure the care and growth of the seedlings, MENRE will deploy its Palaw Rangers. These community-based forest guardians will monitor and nurture the newly planted trees, ensuring that the efforts extend beyond the initial planting and contribute to long-term reforestation and biodiversity protection.

KGI Chairperson Danilo Mocsin expressed that initiatives like this, supported by the Provincial ENRE Offices and other partners, aim to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Philippine Arbor Day is observed every June 25 under Presidential Proclamation No. 643 and Republic Act No. 10176. This day encourages collective tree planting efforts nationwide. By providing seedlings and ensuring their growth through the Palaw Rangers, MENRE reaffirms its commitment as a proactive environmental steward, dedicated to greening conflict-affected areas, restoring degraded lands, and fostering a more resilient and peaceful Bangsamoro. (Tu Alid Alfonso, BMN/BangsamoroToday)