As the Philippines continues to weather the effects of climate change, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. asked the public to care more about the environment and help preserve and manage the country's limited resources. *President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Noel Pabalate)*

Marcos said this as he led the 160th anniversary of the Philippine Forestry Service in Quezon City on June 26. In his speech, the President highlighted the people's role as Mother Earth's "custodians", particularly in addressing the problems caused by climate change and centuries of "mismanaged resources". "The protection and rehabilitation of biodiversity within and around our shores will be immensely influential in shaping our destiny as a nation," he said. "We have had many warnings over decades by scientists saying that unless we change our habits, unless we change our lack of sensitivity to our environment, there will be global warming, and there will be climate change. Unfortunately, we did not listen," he added. With this, Marcos said his administration is committed to ensuring environmental integrity and sustainability for the benefit of the present and future generations. "I continue to call on the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), other agencies, the private sector, and even the public to work together in connecting, preserving, and managing our limited resources," he said. "I challenge everyone to carry a deep sense of pride and ownership of the lands that will continue to nurture and feed our nation for generations to come," he added.

President Marcos keynotes the 160th anniversary of the Philippine Forestry Service at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City; says "our role as custodians of Mother Earth holds much value, especially when united in terms of purpose and of direction." (📸 RTVM) @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/EI5u7hMTQT

— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyll_mb) June 26, 2023

Meanwhile, President Marcos believes that Filipinos have become more aware of the importance of preserving the country's natural resources and biodiversity. "As long as people have a sense of ownership, being a part of that system of preserving the forest, and, in addition to that, we are able to show an economic benefit, then I know Filipinos will do everything that they can to preserve our ecology, our forest land, and our biodiversity," he said. During the occasion, which coincided with Philippine Environment Month and National Tree Planting Day, Marcos planted a Molave tree at the DENR's Environmental Heroes Park. The annual observance highlights the importance of planting more trees to help reforest denuded areas in the nation in pursuit of a greener and healthier Philippines. This year, the DENR encourages the planting of native trees throughout the country, particularly Molave, Narra, and Mountain Agoho, since they help "recover and expand forest habitats for threatened native species of plants and animals, protect watersheds and freshwater resources, and secure the livelihood of local people."