Ten mining and quarrying companies in Central Visayas planted a total of 2,310 seedlings in Cebu and Bohol as part of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau's (MGB) Simultaneous Nationwide Tree Planting Activity held on June 12.
The initiative was conducted in observance of the 2026 Philippine Environment Month and in support of the Mining Engineers' Convention (MinECon 2026).
Former quarry sites, plant nurseries and rehabilitation areas served as planting grounds for the activity, which brought together more than 135 employees, volunteers and members of neighboring communities.
According to the MGB, the tree-planting activity forms part of the agency's Mining Forest Program (MFP), a long-term reforestation initiative implemented through mining companies operating across the country.
Under the program, mining firms are required to establish and maintain forest cover within and around their tenement areas. Companies are also mandated to submit semiannual seedling inventories, while tree survival rates are regularly monitored and validated by the bureau through its Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division.
MGB data showed that, as of December 2025, mining companies in Central Visayas had planted more than 3 million seedlings covering over 1,960 hectares. The region recorded a tree survival rate of 86.96 percent.
The seedlings planted during the June 12 activity included mangroves in Alcoy, Cebu; narra trees in Toledo City; fruit-bearing trees in Bohol; and bamboo in Danao City.
The bureau said the activity demonstrated the mining industry's continuing commitment to environmental rehabilitation and sustainable land management.
Participating companies are expected to continue their reforestation efforts during the observance of Philippine Arbor Day on June 25, when additional tree-planting activities are scheduled across the region.
The June 12 event was conducted simultaneously nationwide as part of the government's broader environmental conservation campaign.
