𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐀𝐌 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔’𝐒 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐔𝐌 𝐒𝐈’ 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊
Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro led the launch of the province’s first Laudate Deum Si’ Tree Park in Barangay Inayagan, City of Naga, on Monday, December 8, marking an important milestone in Cebu’s long-term environmental and climate-resilience efforts.
Anchored on Executive Order No. 56, the Laudate Deum Si’ Tree Park Program establishes designated green spaces planted with native and climate-resilient species. The park aims to restore ecological balance, promote biodiversity, and provide communities with accessible learning spaces for environmental stewardship.
“This park is not just about trees. It is about stewardship. It is about reminding ourselves that we do not own this earth — we are only caretakers. And when we take care of creation, we also take care of our people, our children, and the generations to come,” the governor said.
Governor Baricuatro said that the program represents “a vision for a greener, healthier Cebu,” reinforcing collective action toward sustainability across the province.
Describing the launch as a very special day, she shared that she had long looked forward to this moment. The event was originally scheduled around her birthday but had to be postponed due to the calamities that struck Cebu in recent months.
𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚
“But karon, mas klaro gyud — that this project is more needed than ever. After everything we’ve been through, we are here not just to plant trees, but to plant hope, healing, and renewed faith for our people and for our future,” the governor said.
She expressed her gratitude to the Philippine Coconut Authority for joining the launch through its Bayaniyugan Program (Bayani meaning heroes, Niyog meaning coconut — united in pagtutulungan), which forms part of a whole-of-nation approach to strengthening the coconut industry, modernizing agriculture, and building a more resilient Philippines.
“Daghang salamat for planting with us today, for the hybrid coconuts, and for supporting this cause alongside the Province of Cebu,” she said, as she also thanked her colleagues in the Cebu Provincial Capitol, including Provincial Board Members, Vice Governor Glenn Soco, Capitol department heads and employees, the City Government of Naga, partner agencies, and the community.
Governor Baricuatro said the park stands not only as a reminder but also as a commitment to Cebu’s continuous progress.
“We will never allow development to destroy what gives us life. I will do everything in my power to bring growth, opportunities, and progress to our province — but never at the expense of our environment. Today, as we plant these trees, we are also planting accountability. A promise that Cebu will grow — but it will grow responsibly, sustainably, and with deep respect for creation,” she said.
The event concluded with a tree-planting ceremony featuring species such as Agoho, Molave, and Narra, along with Governor Baricuatro’s planting of a Cebu Cinnamon tree./𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶
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