ORMOC CITY-As record-breaking heat and stronger disasters threaten lives and livelihoods, environmental groups and government agencies are urging Filipinos to take one powerful yet simple step: plant more trees.

The World Meteorological Organization confirmed that 2023 was the hottest year on record, with global temperatures rising 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels. In the Philippines, Pagasa noted that the country has warmed by 0.65°C since the 1950s, bringing more frequent heat waves, stronger typhoons, and unpredictable rainfall.

Trees remain one of the most affordable and effective defenses against climate change. According to the U.S. Forest Service, a mature tree can absorb about 50 pounds of carbon dioxide annually while releasing enough oxygen for two people. Trees also reduce flooding, improve soil fertility, and provide natural cooling to communities.

“Planting a tree may look small, but it makes a huge difference,” the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) stressed. “Every tree reduces carbon in the air, restores ecosystems, and helps us resist disasters.”

The absence of trees has already proven deadly. In Ormoc City, residents still recall the catastrophic flash flood of November 5, 1991, when Tropical Storm Uring (Thelma) killed thousands. Experts continue to warn that diminished forest cover increases disaster risks, especially during heavy rainfall.

Urban areas without greenery also trap more heat. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that treeless cities can be 5–7°C hotter than greener ones—a phenomenon called the urban heat island effect. Beyond cooling, trees cut electricity costs, filter polluted air, and lower the risk of respiratory illness. In coastal areas, mangroves serve as natural barriers against storm surges while supporting fisheries.

Nationwide, communities are taking action. Schools, barangays, and civic groups hold tree-planting drives, while advocates encourage households to plant at least one tree in their yard. If every Filipino family joined in, millions of trees could grow within a generation.
The challenge, experts say, lies in sustaining seedlings until maturity. Native and fruit-bearing trees are recommended for their adaptability and added value to food security. “After eating fruits, just throw the seeds where you want them to grow. It’s a simple way of helping the environment,” said Erwin Magallanes, former corporate relations head of Energy Development Corporation in Leyte.

Businesses are also stepping up. The Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA), a coalition of companies and institutions, highlights tree planting as part of its commitment to cut emissions and restore ecosystems. With the Philippines emitting about 146 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, mainly from energy and transport, NZCA members have pledged to expand renewable energy and support nature-based solutions.

By 2030, the alliance aims to help plant millions of trees, restore degraded lands, and create carbon sinks. “This is not just about neutrality but regeneration,” NZCA said. “We want to leave landscapes greener, healthier, and more resilient for the next generation.”
Advocates emphasize that while large-scale solutions are essential, individual actions count. Planting a tree fosters responsibility and hope. (ELVIE ROA)

ORMOC CITY – A 35-year-old carpenter was arrested in a buy-bust operation by the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of Police Station 3, Ormoc City Police Office, on Friday night, August 29, at JICA Village, Barangay Lao.

Police identified the suspect as alias “Maki,” single, and a resident of the said barangay. He is listed as a street-level individual in the station’s drug watchlist.

Confiscated from him were five sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 0.40 gram, with an estimated street value of P2,720. Also recovered was a P500 marked bill used in the operation.

The suspect, now detained at the Police Station 3 lock-up cell in Barangay Liloan, faces charges for violating RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY-Police are investigating the shooting of a 62-year-old man who was attacked while constructing a pig pen around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, August 29, in Purok 11, Barangay San Policarpo,Calbayog City.

The victim, identified only as alias “Lando,” a resident of Barangay Gadgaran, sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the forehead, neck, ribs, and knee but managed to seek help before being rushed to the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital.

Initial reports said the victim was fetching water from a nearby creek when an unidentified gunman shot him four times before fleeing toward the rice fields.

Police recovered three fired cartridge cases of caliber .45 at the crime scene. A follow-up investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest the suspect.

(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– A 69-year-old man was shot dead by a habal-habal driver during a confrontation at the latter’s home in Barangay Quezon, Catarman, Northern Samar around 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 30.

Police identified the victim as alias “Fred,” a resident of Barangay San Pascual, while the suspect was named as alias “Ge,” 32, a resident of Barangay Quezon.

According to Barangay Kagawad “Mary,” who later turned over the suspect to the police, the victim—reportedly intoxicated and carrying a bolo—forced his way into the suspect’s house through the kitchen door. In defense of himself and his family, the suspect fired an improvised shotgun, instantly killing the victim.

The suspect is now in police custody along with the firearm, while investigators continue to determine the motive behind the incident.
(ROBERT DEJON)