To ensure a clean and green environment for Filipino children and future generations, the Department of Education (DepEd) has instructed all public schools nationwide to plant 236,000 trees.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte issued DepEd memorandum no. 69 series of 2023, which outlined the guidelines on the implementation of the project entitled “DepEd's 236,000 trees - A Christmas Gift for the Children.”
“This is an initiative that aims to promote environmental preservation and instill environmental responsibility among Filipino children,” Duterte said in the DepEd memorandum.
Through the project, over 236,000 trees will be simultaneously planted in different parts of the country with the participation of 47,678 public schools under DepEd.
“This project serves as a gift from the Department to ensure a clean and green environment for Filipino children and future generations,” Duterte added.
Meanwhile, DepEd noted that the project provides a “unique educational opportunity” for students to actively participate in tree planting activities, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and promoting conservation efforts.
“Through hands-on learning and practical application of environmental concepts, students will develop a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment,” DepEd added.
Aside from educational benefits, DepEd noted that planting trees will “contribute to the beautification” of school grounds.
“Trees provide shade, improve air quality, and create a calming atmosphere, enhancing the overall ambience of the school and creating a more pleasant and conducive learning environment for students,” DepEd added.
DepEd also highlighted the numerous “health benefits” of planting trees such as absorbing harmful pollutants from the air and releasing oxygen, leading to improved air quality.
“This creates a healthier environment for students, teachers, and staff, reducing the risk of respiratory diseases and promoting overall well-being,” DepEd added.
As stated in the DepEd memorandum, the tree-planting activity by the different schools will take place simultaneously on Dec. 6. “All 47,678 DepEd public schools will participate, with each school planting a minimum of 5 trees, contributing to the goal of planting over 236,000 trees nationwide,” the agency noted.
DepEd said that classes in all public schools “will be on asynchronous mode for this day.”
In terms of the acquisition of seedlings, DepEd instructed each DepEd Regional Office (RO) to coordinate with its counterparts at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to acquire seedlings for each school in the region.
“The seedlings for the trees must be fruit-bearing trees, Philippine native species trees, or mangroves if the school selects a coastal area as a venue for the tree planting activity,” DepEd said.
The ROs, DepEd added, are also expected to coordinate with DENR to “determine the ideal type of trees to be planted in consideration of the area of the venue.”
Meanwhile, DepEd clarified that only a maximum number of 30 individuals should join the tree planting in each participating school. “There should be no more than 10 teachers and not more than 20 learners who will participate in the activity,” DepEd said.
DepEd noted that schools should consider the necessary resources for the activity, such as tree-planting tools and materials for tree care. “However, it should be emphasized that there is no need to buy the materials for the tree planting activity,” it added.
As for the venue, DepEd said that ideally, the school grounds should serve as the venue for the activity.
“However, if space is limited, the School Head should find an alternative area such as barangay parks, local government unit parks, marine protected areas, or any other open space near the school that may be used for tree planting,” DepEd said. “Schools within close proximity to each other may share a venue for the tree-planting activity,” it added.
To ensure proper planting and care for the trees, DepEd said that “adequate supervision and guidance from the teacher-in-charge are essential.”
DepEd also recommended that a tree guard be built around each planted seedling to mark the area of the planting.
School principals were directed by DepEd to ensure the proper care of the trees planted within their premises.
DepEd also asked school officials to do regular inspections to “assess the condition of the trees, identifying any potential risks or diseases, and promptly addressing them.”