IN LINE with the annual observance of Arbor Day, the local government of Lubao and its partners held a tree-planting activity right across the Lubao Bamboo Hub in Barangay Sta. Catalina early morning yesterday.

The activity, themed “Etamu Kakalingwan, Sipagan Mananaman, Memalen Ning Lubao Iti Yang Pagnasan, Ena Mialbugan,” aims to imbibe to every Lubeño the importance of planting trees in mitigating the effects of flooding.

According to Mayor Esmeralda “Esmie” Pineda, a total of 417 fruit-bearing trees including coconut, lemon, rambutan, santol and guyabano were planted by public officials, and local government and national agencies employees during the activity.

“We are seeing the good effects of tree planting that were conducted in the past years in our community today and it is only fitting that we continue to do it as we celebrate Arbor Day to ensure that our children can experience the same in the future,” Pineda said.

Pineda also disclosed that planting of fruit-bearing trees in the vacant lot is aimed at creating another tourism destination in the town, as well as provide another source of revenue for the local government and constituents.

“Once the trees are full-blown, we can have fruit-picking activities to complement the offerings in the Lubao Bamboo Hub right now. Aside from this, we can also sell the fruits, such as buko jucie to tourists visiting the area. This will not only provide additional revenue to the municipal government, but also create livelihood opportunities to the people,” she added.

Governor Dennis Pineda, who was also in attendance during the activity, lauded the commitment of the municipal government in such environmental activities that are deemed helpful in addressing the perennial flooding problem of the province.

“Tree planting activities are very important especially to a flood-prone province like Pampanga because we all know the huge role of trees in preventing such calamities from creating further damages to the community,” he said.

The younger Pineda also urged other local government units and communities to emulate the initiative of the municipal officials and employees here in preserving the environment.

“Instead of letting vacant lots go unused, plant some trees on it so we can altogether save the environment and provide a better future to the youth,” he said.