Lina, Belmonte lead Arbor Day rites in QC

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina Jr. and Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. will lead officials and employees of the DILG central office and Quezon City Hall in today’s tree planting activity in Quezon City to mark the celebration of the Philippine Arbor Day.

The morning activity, which will be participated in by some 100 officials of the DILG and the Quezon City government, will be held at the premises of Camp Karingal in Sikatuna Village.

On Monday Sec. Lina issued a directive enjoining all local chief executives nationwide to undertake in tree planting activities in their respective provinces, cities and towns as part of the Arbor Day Celebration.

President Arroyo has declared June 25 as Philippines Arbor Day through Proclamation No. 396. Incidentally, the month of June has also been declared as Environment Month, Philippine Month of Mountains and the anniversary of the National Forestry Service.

In a memorandum circular to all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, city vice and municipal vice mayors, punong barangay and DILG regional directors, Lina said the planting of trees can form part of the celebration of an important event. "Actually, planting trees could be a highlight of this celebration."

In his directive, Lina local chief executives to undertake the following activities in their areas of jurisdiction, in coordination with national agencies like the DENR, DPWH, DND, DOT, the private sector, schools, civil society and barangays folks.

• lead the ornamental and tree planting activities through appropriate ceremonies;

• identity appropriate areas to conduct tree planting activities in coordination with agencies that have jurisdiction over such areas;

• and establish and maintain nurseries to produce planting materials which shall be made available to all participants.