CAVITE CITY — A community "plantree" in Barangay 42-A Pinagbuklod San Antonio district here offered free plants to anyone willing to adopt herbs or shrubs on Tuesday (April 28).
Inspired by the community pantries that have sprouted all over the country, plant store owners Carlos Gonzales and Kenneth Santiago decided to offer what they can to people to cope with the pandemic.
According to Gonzales, plants may not be essential goods, but they do provide benefits to the mind and body.
"Isa po naming dahilan bakit namin ginawa ito ay dahil sa psychological benefits ng halaman sa mga tao ngayong pandemic (One of the reasons why we are doing this is because of the psychological benefits that plants offer people amid the pandemic)," Gonzales told the Manila Bulletin.
"It improves mood and relieves stress and anxiety. It also has physical benefits like boosting the air quality," he added.
The "plantree" stall has signages that read, "Kumuha batay sa kayang alagaan (take what you can care for)," and "No face mask, no free plants."
People who lined up were allowed to get three herbs or ornamental plants of their choice. They were also offered fertilizers and hanging plant baskets to kickstart their gardening.