THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Zamboanga Peninsula led various stakeholders and individuals in the region in the nationwide simultaneous tree-planting activity Wednesday, June 8, in celebration of Philippine Environment Month and the DENR 35th founding anniversary.

Rosevirico Tan, DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, said Friday, June 10, that a total of 26,286 seedlings and propagules of various varieties of indigenous tree and mangrove species were planted by 3,662 individuals in 12 different locations across Zamboanga Peninsula.

The DENR-led activity was joined by 66 various government agencies and private entities.

Tan said a total of 16 varieties were utilized for planting, such as Yakal, White Lauan, Bakan, Red Nato, Narra, Lumbayao, Giant Bamboo, Mangium, Mahogany and mangrove propagules.

Most of these seedlings were propagated at the regional Modernized Mechanized Forest Nursery in Baclay, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur, according to Tan.

He said the tree-planting activity is centered on the theme "Aksyon Para sa Natatanging Mundo."

He added that this year’s theme is aimed to generate awareness on the importance of trees as well as help mitigate the effects of climate change. (SunStar Zamboanga)