Nearly 150 seedlings of banaba and catmon trees were planted along the sidewalks in Barangay Balatas, Naga City to celebrate World Environment Day.

Personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) participated in the activity.

The initiative was part of the city's commitment to observe World Environment Day and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

According to Engr. Danilo Cea, the officer in charge of the city's "Forests in Our Midst" or greening program, the activity was also synchronized with ongoing infrastructure projects in the city.

"Kinakagan ta po siya nin green infrastructure, nin huli ta dae po gabos na easement area pwede tang pangiturugan na maging riprap [o] mai-revetment," Cea said.

Since the launch of the program in 2019, over 50,000 tree seedlings have been planted by ENRO. The agency aims to contribute in mitigating the effects of climate change.

ENRO assured that the trees will not be cut down even if road-widening projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) happen, as they have undergone careful planning and assessment.

The initiative was also supported by Nathalie Magay, a member of the Bicol Native Tree Enthusiast. 

"So dapat na dapat po talaga i-promote ta ang roadside planting with native trees, mainiton na po baga puro semento pag may kahoy po irinutan an mga tricycle, mga motor mag-park," Magay said.

ENRO plans to continue this practice to further increase tree coverage in the city.