Manila, July 2 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is shifting its focus to the long-term survival of the more than 4.2 million saplings distributed nationwide during this year's Philippine Arbor Day campaign.

In a news release Thursday, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna stressed that more than planting trees, Arbor Day's success depends on how many trees survive in the years ahead.

"The true measure of Arbor Day goes beyond how many trees we plant today, but how many continue to grow years from now," Cuna said.

"A sapling survives only when people care for it. A forest thrives only when communities protect it. And environmental stewardship succeeds only when the government, local communities, schools, c...