BORONGAN CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways - Eastern Samar District Engineering Office (DPWH-ESDEO) planted some 250 seedlings beside the national  highway from Salcedo to Mercedes, E. Samar.

According to Engr. Jayson Espeso, information officer, the tree-planting event is a directive from Sec. Roger Mercado who is known for his passion on greening the planet.

It will be recalled that in Southern Leyte where Mercado is from, significant events are always marked with tree planting.

The tree-planting event is an extension of Mercado’s penchant for tree planting which aims to add value to urban areas, mitigate effects of climate change, control water runoff and add aesthetic allure to the roadside, Espeso said.

Espeso added that the secretary enjoined them to green the roadside but without touching the electric posts.

The greening event will be held every month, he added.

No less than District Engineer Margarita Junia and Assistant District Engineer Domcelio Natividad led the tree-planting event on January 28.

Tree species planted along the 23-km stretch were bawok-bawok, siar, pili, toog, anislag and others. (NBQ with DPWH-ESDEO)