Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) celebrated the 160th anniversary of the Philippine Forestry Service
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) celebrated the 160th anniversary of the Philippine Forestry Service today, June 26 at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City.
President Bongbong Marcos graced the event, and led the tree planting activity at the DENR Environmental Heroes Park. He planted a seedling of Molave, an endemic species that possesses numerous beneficial properties that make it suitable for tree planting and reforestation efforts.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Special Assistant to the President, Secretary Antonio Lagdameo, Jr., and Senator Cynthia A. Villar were also present and planted seedlings.
“By beginning with the tree planting, we remind ourselves the essential importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance and integrity, in mitigating and adapting to climate change, and to enhancing biodiversity. They are our life support, without which, water, energy and food security would be impossible,” said DENR Secretary Antonia Loyzaga in her opening message.
The Philippine Forestry Service, now known as the DENR Forest Management Bureau, dates back to June 1863 when by virtue of a Spanish Royal Decree, an office known as the Inspeccion General de Montes, was inaugurated under the Spanish government to determine through data collection the extent of the forest resources in the Philippines.
“It is only right that we commemorate your anniversary to further inspire further progress in preserving our trees and our forests in these coming years,” Marcos said. “This administration is committed in ensuring environmental integrity and sustainability for the benefit of our present and future generations.”
Loyzaga said the DENR is continuously working across silos, partnering with other government agencies, local government units, the academe, private sector, and people’s organizations, to protect, enhance, and sustainably manage the country’s forest resources.
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil, and Department of National Defense – Philippines Secretary Gilbert ‘Gibo’ Teodoro, Jr. were also in attendance.
