Manila, Aug. 18 -- Ambassadors and official representatives from ASEAN member-states, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN dialogue partners gathered earlier this month for a tree planting activity in celebration of 58th ASEAN Day.

In a news release on Monday, the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) said the activity was held at the Makiling Botanic Gardens, Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, an ASEAN Heritage Park in Laguna province, on Aug. 9.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and ACB Executive Director Jerome Montemayor led the activity, which had a theme "Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN Future."

Lazaro, in her speech, underscored the importance of ecosystem restoration as well as cooperation among ASEAN member-states and partne...