The provincial government of Pangasinan has begun planting native trees around the Capitol grounds, with the goal of more than 400 trees and 3,000 nedra shrubs.

Alvin Soriano, a staff member of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, said in an interview on Thursday that the native trees comprise Dita, Palawan Cherry, and Banaba.

“The provincial government is serious about environmental conservation,” he said.

He added that the native trees are the appropriate species to plant in the area, as opposed to the invasive species, which were cut down to make way for the redevelopment project.

Soriano said the newly planted trees will be cared for by various departments, along with the park and maintenance personnel.

“It would take six months to one year for the trees to fully mature. One year to stabilize its roots,” he said.

Each of the trees is given braces to withstand strong winds and other weather disturbances.

The tree planting is part of the Capitol redevelopment project and the province’s Green Canopy Program.

The redevelopment of the Capitol Complex, which features the country’s longest reflective pool, an interactive dancing fountain, and a 1,500-seat convention center, began in 2023.

Other key developments include the 11-story Pangasinan government center and flood mitigation projects. (PNA)