WHEREAS, the State recognizes that the rehabilitation and regreening of our environment is necessary to promote a healthier ecosystem for our people;

WHEREAS, there is a need for all government agencies including government-owned or controlled corporations, the private sector, schools, civil society and citizenry to participate in tree planting activities nationwide;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to declare a day each year for the conduct of appropriate ceremonies for partnership building and actual tree planting;

WHEREAS, this activity would develop greater public awareness on the importance and role of trees in environmental health and human life;

WHEREAS, the Environment Month, Philippine Month of Mountains and the National Forestry Service Anniversary are celebrated in June; and

WHEREAS, to coincide with these celebrations and encourage public participation in tree planting activities, there is a need to highlight the celebration of the PHILIPPINES ARBOR DAY.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Wednesday, June 25, 2003 as PHILIPPINES ARBOR DAY, to be observed throughout the nation by planting trees and ornamental plants.

All members of the Cabinet and heads of agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs), and other instrumentalities of the government are hereby enjoined  to lead in the tree planting activities through appropriate ceremonies.

All participating agencies, organizations, schools, and LGUs shall identify appropriate areas where they can conduct tree planting activities in coordination with agencies which have jurisdiction over such areas (e.g. Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the case of public forest lands, Department of Public Works and Highways along roadsides of national highways, Department of National Defense for military reservations, Department of Tourism for ecotourism areas, and Local Governments in areas within their jurisdictions).

LGUs, including barangays, schools, and the DENR shall establish and maintain nurseries to produce planting materials which shall be made available to all participants. The maintenance and protection of the planted seedlings shall be the responsibility of the respective participating agencies/instrumentalities.

The DENR is hereby directed to provide technical assistance to all participants for the PHILIPPINES ARBOR DAY celebration.

Proclamation No. 1547 dated May 18, 1976 and other related issuances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 2nd day of June, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Three.


By the President:

(Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary