In Samar
TACLOBAN CITY — The municipal government of Paranas, Samar is considering a proposed ordinance that would require graduating students to plant trees as part of efforts to strengthen environmental protection and promote civic responsibility among the youth.
Under the measure, all graduating senior high school and college students in the municipality would be required to plant at least two trees before they can receive their diplomas, aligning education milestones with local climate action and reforestation initiatives.
If approved, the ordinance would institutionalize youth participation in environmental conservation while supporting ongoing programs on forest restoration and watershed protection, particularly in areas such as the Ulot Watershed Model Forest.
Consultations were conducted with stakeholders, including representatives from various schools such as Samar State University–Paranas Campus, as well as officials from the Local Youth Development Office, Local Youth Development Council, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan.
During deliberations, schools presented data on their projected number of graduates to estimate the volume of trees that could be planted annually. Several recommendations were raised, including implementing tree-planting activities through schools, aligning schedules with environmental programs like youth camps and scouting activities, and providing flexibility for college students undertaking off-site internships.
Participants also emphasized the importance of proper site selection, particularly within designated planting areas, as well as the need for protective measures such as fencing and regular monitoring to ensure higher survival rates of planted trees.
The committee found the proposal both feasible and beneficial, noting its potential to instill environmental stewardship among young people while contributing to the municipality’s long-term ecological sustainability goals. The ordinance has been recommended for approval, subject to the inclusion of agreed implementation guidelines.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
