Hundreds unite to plant fruit trees for Subic Bay's Arbor Day celebration

A large-scale tree planting event took place in Pastolan Village, Subic Bay Freeport, to mark Arbor Day. Organised under the theme Our Forest, Our Craft, Our Bounty, the activity saw hundreds of volunteers come together to plant fruit-bearing trees. On June 23, 2026, personnel from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and 106 business locators joined 592 volunteers at the Mulawin Bayakan Reforestation Site. The site lies within the ancestral domain of the Aeta Indigenous People. Together, they planted 834 saplings, including jackfruit, cashew, soursop, and lipote.

The event, named Magtanum Kitamo: Subic Bay's Arbor Day and Forest Bounty Showcase, aimed to promote environmental sustainability. SBMA Ecology Center Officer-in-Charge Rossell L. Abuyo noted that the annual Arbor Day celebration highlights the shared duty to protect nature. SBMA OIC-Senior Deputy Administrator Amethya P. Dela Llana later praised the participants for their efforts in conservation.

Philippine Arbor Day is officially observed every June 25 under Republic Act No. 10176. Communities and agencies nationwide continue tree-growing initiatives to combat climate change and support ecological balance. The newly planted trees are expected to enhance local ecosystems and offer food and livelihood opportunities for communities. The activity reinforces ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental resilience through reforestation.