Mandaue City youth mandated to plant trees before graduation

She noted that the concept is not new, as some schools and colleges already require students to plant up to 10 trees before graduation. For Mandaue City, however, the requirement was set at a minimum of two to ensure feasibility and compliance.

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On sustainability and monitoring, Jumao-as said they will work closely with the DA to ensure the trees survive and are properly accounted for.

“Dili man na pwede nga we just have to plant trees, we also have to monitor if ni-grow ba jud sila, if wala ba nangamatay,” she explained.

Councilor Jennifer del Mar, coauthor of the ordinance, emphasized the importance of educating the youth early about environmental stewardship amid the worsening impacts of climate change.

She said the city will oversee implementation and determine which species are appropriate for specific planting areas.

“Might be too late for us to say but the best time is now. So we drafted this ordinance for this purpose,” she said, stressing that young people must learn why trees matter.