Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando led a major “Green Revolution” campaign in the province, together with the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), by planting over 1,000 native tree seedlings in Sitio Payapa, Barangay Camachin, Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT).

The reforestation drive of the Bulacan provincial government was conducted in line with the celebration of Arbor Day on Wednesday, June 25.

Totoo ang kasabihan na kung meron kang itinanim, meron kang aanihin (The saying is true that if you plant something, you will have something to harvest),” Fernando said as he visited a pineapple farm in Barangay Kalawakan Proper in the mountain town of Doña Remedios Trinidad.

Held under the banner “Kalikasan ay Buhay: Ating Pangalagaan, Ating Pagyamanin,” the initiative underscored Bulacan’s intensified efforts to combat climate change, restore degraded forestlands, and foster environmental stewardship among local communities.

The tree planting was a collaborative effort among BENRO, Board Member for Indigenous Peoples Liberato P. Sembrano, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of DRT, local barangay officials of Barangay Camachin, tribal leaders from the Remontado community, Citizen Anti-Crime Action Group, in reinforcing the vital role of multi-sectoral partnerships in sustainable environmental programs.

“This is more than just a ceremonial planting. Each tree symbolizes a commitment—a shared responsibility to protect our natural heritage and ensure a livable environment for future generations,” Fernando said.

He emphasized the long-term impact of collective environmental action by saying: “Bawat puno po na ating itinanim ay binhi ng pag-asa para sa kinabukasan ng mga Bulakenyo,” (Every tree that we planted is the seed of hope for the future of the Bulakenyos), he added.

Attorney Julius Victor C. Degala, BENRO department head, stressed the lasting value of reforestation work.

“Hindi man natin agad makita ang magiging bunga ng ating pagtatanim, tiyak na darating ang panahon na ang mga punong ito ay magiging lilim sa init, panangga sa baha, at tagapagalaga ng ating kapaligiran (Even if we don't see right away the results of our planting, there will come a time when these trees will serve as shades from the heat, will help prevent flooding, and will act as guardians of our environment), Degala said.

Beyond the environmental benefits, the activity also served to raise public awareness, mobilize youth and community participation, and strengthen ties with Indigenous Peoples and local leaders, ensuring that tree-growing becomes an ongoing commitment rather than a one-day event.

A Multi-Stakeholder’s Advisory Committee (MSAC) tree-planting activity was also conducted in Barangay Peñabatan, Pulilan, led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), to further reinforce Bulacan’s province-wide reforestation efforts and climate resilience.

As climate challenges intensify, Fernando said Bulacan will continue to lead by example.

“Planting trees is planting hope. A greener tomorrow begins with the choices we make today,” he added.

The governor also met with Larry Periy, owner of a pineapple farm in DRT.

Periy told the governor that pineapple selling is lucrative, with every pineapple being sold for P50 to P70, depending on the size.

Fernando gamely joined the farmers in picking pineapples together with his siblings, and SWAT team leader Maj. Norweda Usman whom he instructed to pick for his police team.