Dad wants students, teachers to plant trees

The Cebu City Council will ask the Department of Education to make a study about tapping teachers and students to address the alarming deterioration of our country''s forest resources.

Councilor Edgardo Labella sponsored a resolution suggesting that the officials of the Department of Education and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources study the feasibility of requiring the teachers and students to plant a single tree every year.

Labella said he is concerned with reports that the denudation of our forested areas is increasing every year due to unabated deforestation.

The councilor said while the DENR has already initiated a multi-pronged approach to hasten the rehabilitation of our country''s forests there is still a need for creative options in the speedy re-greening of our diminishing forestlands.

If Labella''s resolution is approved by the city council during their regular session this Wednesday, a copy of this will be sent to DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapuz and DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes for further study. - Rene U. Borromeo/BRP