In the province of Ilocos Sur in The Philippines, a massive tree planting effort in forests and agroforestry systems is underway to combat climate change.

A story by the Philippine News Agency explains how the effort is in response to the national greening program (NGP) of President Benigno Aquino III, announced in May 2011, which aims to plant at least 1.5 billion trees on about 1.5 million hectares by 2016.

Half of the trees will be forest tree species for timber production and protection purposes, with the other half consisting of tree species used in agroforestry sites conducive for growing cash crops and fruits.

Already 379, 044 seedlings have been planted in Ilocos Sur on 760 hectares; in urban forestry, mangrove plantations and rural and upland forestry.

Read the full story: Ilocos Sur spearheads tree planting activities for NGP