Zamboanga biked and hiked its way into restoring its rich natural resources.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Forest Management Bureau (FMB) and DENR Region 9 partnered with the City Government of Zamboanga, to stage the largest Bike.Hike.Plant event to date with 1,895 registrants on June 22.
Since 2016, Bike.Hike.Plant has served as a combined celebration of the Philippine Forestry Service’s anniversary and Arbor Day, promoting unity in environmental conservation and community participation.
Environmental Champions On Wheels
DENR Assistant Secretary Arleigh Adorable stressed the importance of the event in promoting the agency’s advocacy for forest welfare and biodiversity conservation, while also encouraging participation in tree planting activities.
“The idea of Bike.Hike.Plant. is very special, as each participant rides his or her bicycle while carrying a seedling inside a drawstring bag, which will be planted at the end of the route. It showcases the passion and willingness of Filipinos to be part of taking care of our environment,” Asec Adorable said.
“Personally, it is heartwarming to see new environmental champions among these bikers and hikers who participate and promote the importance of Philippine forests,” he added.
The issue of reforestation is especially important in Zamboanga City, where 748 hectares of humid primary forest have been lost from 2022 to 2023, which represents a 4.1 percent decrease. During the same time period, the city saw its total tree cover decline by 6.8 percent. The presence of trees is key in reducing the effects of rising temperatures.
Community Participation
Regional Executive Director Arturo E. Fadriquela expressed his gratitude for hosting the event in Zamboanga City, describing it as a significant effort to promote reforestation and responsible tourism. He stressed the important role of the local community in protecting natural forests and encouraged volunteer bikers and environmental partners to engage in tree-planting activities, highlighting bicycles as eco-friendly transportation.
Fadriquela also emphasized the need to preserve Zamboanga’s Pasonanca Natural Park, designated as Asia’s 52nd ASEAN Heritage Park and the first in the Zamboanga Peninsula. “Since 2016, Bike.Hike.Plant has engaged people in an adventure through biking, hiking, and tree planting. This year’s event at Pasonanca Natural Park is crucial as a carbon sink, playing a vital role in mitigating climate change effects,” he said.
The event kicked off at Paseo del Mar and wrapped up at Pasonanca Natural Park. A total of 3,500 seedlings were planted by the participants, featuring species like Narra, Kamagong, Mindanao Cinnamon, Ipil, Kalumpang, and Dao.
The event acknowledged both national and local partners who played a crucial role in its success, and special awards and prizes were given to select attendees. Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe highlighted the community’s strides towards their target of planting 1 million trees and encouraged everyone to work together to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy nature’s beauty.
Source: DENR 9, Zamboanga City Government Host Largest Bike.Hike.Plant Event