TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - - This year’s "Bike.Hike.Plant 2023” highlighted the Arbor day observance in Cagayan Valley as hundreds of cyclists, hikers and tree growers from various government agencies and organizations joined the event on Sunday.

According to Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the one-day activity aimed to enjoin volunteer-bikers and other environment partners in tree growing activities aside from promoting bicycle as a sustainable environment-friendly mode of transportation.

Bambalan is optimistic that through this event, various stakeholders were encouraged to participate in taking care of the region’s remaining forest cover.

“This is also one way to widen the network of forestry champions in rehabilitating and protecting our forests through promotion of responsible tourism and proactive reforestation,” she added.

The Philippine Arbor Day has been institutionalized to be observed every June 25 throughout the nation by planting trees and ornamental plants.

With this, all government agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations, private sector, schools, civil society groups and the citizenry are enjoined to plant trees under Presidential Proclamation No. 396, s. 2003. (ALM/PIA Region 2)