By: Air Urquiola
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—The Office of the Vice President (OVP) headed by Vice Presidenbt Sara Duterte, recently achieved a major milestone in its nationwide environmental campaign, successfully planting the one-millionth tree under the “PagbaBAGo: A Million Learners and Trees Campaign.” The ceremonial planting in Zamboanga City, marked a significant step toward the OVP’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.
The momentous event, held last October 15, 2025, at the Cesar C. Climaco Freedom Park, celebrated the collective effort of volunteers, students, local government units (LGUs), and private partners who have joined the multi-year drive. Initially projected to take six years, the OVP and its allies reached the one-million tree target in just three years, demonstrating a remarkable nationwide dedication to greening initiatives.
A Campaign for the Future
The “PagbaBAGo” campaign is a two-fold flagship program of the OVP, addressing both education and environmental concerns. Alongside the goal of planting one million trees, the initiative also aims to distribute one million bags containing school supplies and dental kits to students across the country.
“Ang mga puno na itinanim natin ay maipapamana natin para sa mga anak natin,”Vice President Duterte said during the event, emphasizing the long-term impact of the project on future generations. The planted trees are part of a broader effort to rehabilitate watersheds, protect biodiversity, and strengthen the nation’s climate resilience against the growing threats of extreme weather events.
Mobilizing the Nation
The success of the “PagbaBAGo: A Million Trees Campaign” is a testament to the power of community participation. From the mountainous regions needing reforestation to coastal areas requiring mangrove preservation, the campaign has mobilized thousands of Filipinos. The involvement of various sectors underscores the shared responsibility in addressing the climate crisis. The OVP has utilized its central, satellite, and extension offices to coordinate simultaneous tree-planting activities, ensuring a widespread reach for the initiative.
Following the ceremonial planting in Zamboanga City, the Vice President also led the distribution of the accompanying PagbaBAGo Bags to hundreds of learners at a local elementary school. This dual approach solidifies the program’s vision: fostering a love for learning in students while instilling a deep sense of environmental stewardship.
The OVP has affirmed its commitment to sustaining and expanding the campaign, encouraging more communities to adopt tree-planting and other sustainable practices as the nation continues its fight against deforestation and the effects of climate change.
