Inspired by the food banks that have sprouted all over the Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is giving away free vegetable and fruit-bearing tree seedlings in celebration of Earth Day starting today.
Dubbed “Community Pan-TREE,” the DENR said they will be giving away the seedlings today until 3pm in its office on North Avenue in Diliman, Quezon City. Filipinos who want to get these plants should bring their own pots such as recycled plastic containers. People can also donate plants to support the Pan-TREE.
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The project is the department’s way of addressing “the issue of food security” while promoting “resiliency in the community amidst the pandemic and changing climate.”
“Those near our office who want to avail seedlings may drop by. Those who live far, however, need not travel as we will try to expand the project and establish one near your area through our Field Offices,” the department said in a statement.
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A Filipina named Ana Patricia Non came up with the first pantry in her Quezon City village last week. The idea is similar to food banks in Australia and the United States, to help Filipinos who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic. People are free to take food and other items from the pantry, but they are also encouraged to give what they can. Within days the idea was replicated in several towns all over the Philippines.
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