SAN MARCELINO, Zambales — About 1,000 seedlings of fruit trees were planted by employees of the local government of San Marcelino in a joint tree-growing project with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO-Olongapo).

The activity was undertaken at Sitio Palan, Barangay San Rafael on June 25 in celebration of the Philippine Arbor Day, and in an effort to protect the environment and help address climate change.

San Rafael residents, led by Barangay Chair Maureen Arquero, also joined the activity to plant native fruit trees like guyabano (soursop) and coffee at the foothills of Sitio Palan.

Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer-Designate Marvin Beltran stressed during the activity the importance of environment protection through tree-planting, especially in forest areas and river banks.

He added that planting trees was not only a task to be done, but should be an advocacy work to save the environment and the future of every resident today, as well as future generations.

Beltran also gave the assurance that the incoming administration of Mayor-Elect Elvis Soria would continue the environmental advocacy started by outgoing Mayor Elmer Soria.

According to the Municipal Information Office, some 500 more seedlings of guyabano and coffee were planted on June 27 at the same site with Vice Mayor Cristopher Gongora leading LGU employees and barangay officials.

Representatives from the local offices of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Commission on Election, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Trial Court, and community service organizations also joined this activity. 