A total of 160 Narra tree seedlings were planted in a bayanihan-style reforestation project in San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro, bringing together environmentalists, students, and local agencies in a shared effort to protect nature.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-San Teodoro District Jail led the initiative in partnership with San Teodoro National High School, the Alpha Phi Omega San Teodoro Oriental Mindoro Alumni Association, and other local agencies.

BJMP-STDJ community relations officer Jail Officer 1 Reccie Fetalco said tree planting is important in addressing climate change and preserving protected areas in the province.

“The activity also focused not just on planting trees, but also on ensuring the trees grow for the benefit of future generations,” Fetalco said.

The event also saw participation from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

BJMP Mimaropa information officer Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo called on youth involvement in environmental efforts.

“We call for the involvement of all sectors of society, in addition of course to the DENR who is leading these efforts,” he said.

“It is a shared responsibility because we all play a vital role in winning the fight against climate change,” he added.

Narra, the National Tree of the Philippines, is now considered critically endangered due to deforestation.

It can grow up to 40 meters tall and live for 50 to 150 years.

(with reports from JO3 Joefrie Anglo, IO-BJMP MIMAROPA)