THE DEPARTMENT of Education and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have partnered for a tree planting initiative.

Together, they launched the Forest for Life: 5 Million Trees by 2028 program. This initiative aims to plant fast-growing tree species in six pilot locations—Ilocos Norte, Rizal, Leyte, Bataan, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Norte—between 2025 and 2028.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga emphasized that the program’s goal is not only to reforest but also to instill environmental stewardship among students, helping to foster a greener and more sustainable future.

“Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, ito ay isang kongkretong hakbang upang gawing mas matibay, mas berde, at mas ligtas ang ating mga komunidad,” Angara said.

“Hindi lang tayo magtatanim ng puno kundi ng kultura ng malasakit, pagkilos, at pangangalaga sa ating bansa.”