Sara Duterte leads planting of one-millionth tree under OVP campaign

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday led planting activities in Zamboanga City for the one-millionth tree under the Office of the Vice President's (OVP) nationwide PagbaBAGo campaign, commemorating what was described as a "monumental milestone" of her flagship initiative.

The event, held at Cesar C. Climaco Freedom Park in Barangay Pasonanca, celebrated the OVP's multi-year effort to promote environmental sustainability, climate action, and community participation.

According to the OVP website, the Vice President's flagship initiatives include PagbaBAGo: A Million Learners and Trees Campaign for education and a sustainable and enhanced National Greening Program.

The two-fold program seeks to distribute 1 million bags with school supplies and dental kits, and plant 1 million seedlings which it achieved on Wednesday.

"Ang mga puno na itinanim natin ay maipapamana natin para sa mga anak natin," said Duterte.

(We can pass on to our children the trees we plant today.)

The campaign reached its one-millionth tree goal in three years—half the time initially projected, the OVP said.

Launched in 2022, the tree planting drive mobilized volunteers, students, local government units, and private partners nationwide to rehabilitate watersheds, protect biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience.

Duterte said the success of the initiative reflects the collective effort of Filipinos who value the environment and future generations.

The Vice President also reaffirmed her office's commitment to sustain and expand the campaign, encouraging more communities to adopt tree-planting and other sustainable practices.

After the tree-planting ceremony, Duterte led the distribution of PagbaBAGo Bags to 526 learners at Pasonanca Elementary School.

The PagbaBAGo program, which stands for "Pagbabago sa Bawat Pilipino," integrates various social and civic initiatives—ranging from environmental projects to educational support, aimed at promoting positive change at the community level. — VDV, GMA Integrated News