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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider No special someone on V-Day? Why not hug a tree instead, says DENR

No special someone on V-Day? Why not hug a tree instead, says DENR

Published Feb 13, 2025 05:31 am

 

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(DENR PHOTO)

No date this Valentine’s Day? No problem—the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has an unexpected suggestion for those flying solo: hug a tree.


 

According to the DENR, a study showed that spending time with trees can elevate oxytocin levels—the hormone that promotes calmness and emotional wellbeing.

“Hugging a tree and spending time around trees can lower blood pressure and heart rates, improve immunity, and reduce stress and anxiety levels,” the DENR Forest Management Bureau said.

“Go ahead and try it! Go outside, hug a tree and feel nature’s best theraphy!” 

The DENR explained that there’s no need to be particular about which tree to embrace, since any tree can offer the same benefits as long as one is attuned to its natural presence.

As part of the Tree Hugging Campaign, the DENR’s Forest Management Bureau called on everyone to participate in a photo and caption competition designed to celebrate our connection with nature. 

The agency said that interested participants should first like the FMB Facebook page and follow the DENR’s official Instagram account, then share the event post on these platforms. 

The DENR said the contest is open to Filipinos residing in the country and welcomes both individual entries and group submissions (up to five members per group). 

Each entry must feature a high-resolution photo of one or more people interacting with a tree in a way that conveys respect, affection, and interconnection—hugging the tree is mandatory, it added.

Accompanying the photo, participants are required to include a creative caption that amplifies the photo’s message and explains the connection between humanity and trees. 

The agency said that all entries should be publicly posted on personal Facebook accounts and include the hashtags #𝗢𝗻𝗲𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲, #𝗙𝗠𝗕𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗛𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, and #𝗣𝘂𝗻𝗼𝗡𝗴𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗺𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗹, while tagging the Forest Management Bureau’s Official Facebook Page. 

The submission period for these entries is from Feb.10 to 14, 2025.

The DENR noted that trees are essential for personal well-being as well as for maintaining a healthy environment. 

They are considered fundamental for preserving ecological balance and driving environmental conservation efforts, it added.

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