KORONADAL CITY, March 23 -- In celebration of this year's International Day of Forests, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Soccsksargen Region (DENR-12) led the planting of more than 1,479 seedlings of various tree species across the region over the weekend.

"In saving trees, we are securing our future. By protecting the forests, we are directly shielding the livelihoods and the health of every person in our communities," newly promoted DENR-12 Director Elvira V. Lumayag said in a statement Monday.

This year's International Day of Forests was observed on Saturday, March 21, under the theme "Forests and Economies."

Among the tree seedlings planted across the region were narra, lauan, bayok, molave and bamboo propagul...