Employees and community volunteers of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority took part in various environmental programs including tree planting and coastal cleanups.
A total of 150 trees and 2,500 bougainvillea were planted during the Arbor Day celebration at Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The annual event is in compliance with Proclamation No. 643 which seeks to promote a healthier ecosystem through the rehabilitation and re-greening of the environment by planting trees and ornamental plants across the country.
Leading the activity was SBMA chairperson and administrator Wilma Eisma, supported by deputy administrator for engineering Marco Estabillo, DA for business Kenneth Rementilla, DA for administration Ruel John Kabigting, and senior deputy administrator for regulatory services and Ecology Center manager Amethya dela Llana.
Aside from the Arbor Day, the government agency also joined the Dive Heroes Festival-Scubasurero where volunteer scuba divers did underwater cleanup, the International Coastal Cleanup, and the Recyclables Collection event. The latter is a semi-annual activity which encourages stakeholders to help keep the Freeport clean by collecting recyclable materials and bringing them to accredited waste handlers for recovery and upcycling.
Moreover, the SBMA has partnered with the Magbukun Ayta tribe to protect and preserve their indigenous environment and culture under the United Nations Development Programme’s Indigenous Communities Conservation Area, with the support of the municipal government of Morong and the Philippine Association for Intercultural Development.