Arayat's recent tree planting initiatives, spearheaded by Mayor Jeffrey Luriz and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), serve as vital community-level defenses against climate change. These reforestation efforts on Mount Arayat are critical for preventing landslides, absorbing excess rainwater, and mitigating flood risks. The town's commitment to environmental protection is evident in the numerous tree-growing activities that have mobilized various sectors of the community.
Mobilizing the Community for Reforestation
Mayor Luriz has been at the forefront of mobilizing the community for environmental action. A successful tree planting activity led by the mayor and the MDRRMO demonstrated unity and decisive action for a cleaner environment, with various municipal departments, barangay officials, and the Bantay Kalikasan participating . The Arayat Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) also joined these initiatives to protect and conserve the Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape, promoting sustainable development and environment-friendly practices . Volunteers from different organizations, including the Sonshine Philippines Movement (SPM), Anti-Crime and Community Emergency Response Team, and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Pampanga, have converged to plant Narra seedlings on the mountain as part of the "One Tree, One Nation" initiative.
Scientific and Government Backing for Conservation
Reforestation efforts on Mt. Arayat have also been bolstered by government agencies. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has partnered with groups to plant Narra seedlings along the slopes of Mt. Arayat, aiming to conserve its forests while empowering communities through environmental education and climate action . As a testament to the scale of these efforts, over a hundred state workers from the DENR and partner agencies participated in a tree-growing event, planting over 1,200 indigenous and fruit-bearing trees, as well as bamboo propagules . The Mt. Arayat National Park is also a central hub for conservation and eco-tourism revival, with the Department of Tourism preparing a development plan to enhance tourism in the area while preserving its natural beauty .
