DENR: Planting trees will teach students about biodiversity

MANILA, Philippines - Students who help plant and raise native trees in Metro Manila’s schools would learn more about the environment and biodiversity, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje said yesterday.

Paje issued the statement after the Department of Education (DepEd) required all public schools in Metro Manila to plant at least five species of native trees within their campuses.

“This would not only instill a sense of environmental awareness among the youth, but would also teach them the importance of preserving native trees that are gradually dying out,” Paje said.

DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro had earlier instructed all teachers and students in 763 public schools in the National Capital Region to take part in the National Greening Program of the government  by growing trees that are endemic to the Philippines.

There are about 3,600 species of trees found in the country, the most famous of which is the narra, touted as the national tree. Its wood is said to be one of the toughest in the world. Other Philippine native trees are guijo, kamagong, red and white lauan, tindalo, yakal and molave, among others.

 “The project will boost the propagation of native trees, especially those which are slowly disappearing, and which Filipinos use for food, medicine and other uses,” Paje said.

He added, “More importantly, the project will educate millions of students and other Filipinos on the richness of our biodiversity as a natural heritage, and they do not need to go to the mountains to see these trees.”