In a decisive move to combat environmental degradation, officials in Mandaue City, Cebu, are advancing a groundbreaking ordinance that will make tree planting a mandatory requirement for graduation. The proposed law targets students completing senior high school and college in both public and private institutions across the city.
A Response to Climate Urgency
Councilor Jennifer Del Mar, a proponent of the measure, emphasized the pressing need for this action. She cited the city's ongoing struggle with the tangible effects of climate change, increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, and a worsening natural environment. "We can clearly see how unpredictable the weather has become. We really need this," Del Mar stated. She believes that instilling this practice in the youth is crucial, as teaching them while they are young will help integrate tree planting into their lifelong routine.
Del Mar framed tree planting as a critical civic duty for the city, especially at a time when many fear it might be too late to reverse certain environmental damages. The city plans to oversee the initiative carefully, monitoring the types of trees planted and their designated locations, ensuring each planted tree is protected and nurtured.
Empowering Youth for Community Resilience
SK Federation President and Councilor Fleuritz Gayle Jumao-as, who co-authored the ordinance, explained that the core goal is to actively engage the youth in environmental protection and disaster risk reduction. "We are drafting an ordinance that will mandate senior high school and college students to plant trees before they graduate. This will be one of their requirements," Jumao-as clarified.
She directly linked the program to solving persistent local issues like flooding and deforestation. "We really hope this pushes through. We see so much flooding and deforestation, so this will really help," she added. The ordinance will encompass all graduating students within Mandaue City's jurisdiction.
Logistics and Partnerships for Success
To ensure the program's viability, the city government anticipates support from the Department of Agriculture (DA) in providing seedlings to schools that cannot source their own. Notably, some schools in the area have already adopted similar policies, requiring students to plant up to 10 trees prior to graduation.
The city also plans to collaborate with agricultural experts to guarantee proper monitoring and to improve the survival rate of the planted trees. Furthermore, partnerships with national agencies are being explored to manage the technical aspects of correct tree planting methods and growth tracking. According to Jumao-as, the ultimate aim is to empower students to contribute tangibly to their community through direct environmental action.
