Oriental Mindoro, Philippines – Schools across Oriental Mindoro are gearing up for a simultaneous tree-planting activity on December 6, following a directive from Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte.
According to Philippines News Agency, Maria Luisa Servando, the Schools Division Superintendent of Oriental Mindoro, issued a memorandum instructing school administrators to consult with their local community/municipal environment and natural resources offices (CENRO/MENRO) for suitable planting locations and seedling provisions. The initiative is part of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) nationwide project, ‘DepEd’s 236,000 Trees – A Christmas Gift for the Children,’ aiming to plant at least 236,000 seedlings during the holiday season. The tree-planting drive symbolizes the province’s commitment to ensuring a cleaner, greener environment for Filipino children and future generations. The DepEd’s memorandum, dated November 17, highlights the reforestation activity as an educational opportunity for students to engage in environmental conservation efforts actively. The initiative is designed to impart a deeper understanding of environmental issues and foster a sense of responsibility towards preserving the environment through practical learning experiences.