QUEZON CITY. – Celebrating its 50th year, the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) demonstrated its commitment to environmental protection through a tree-planting activity held at La Mesa Ecopark on November 23, 2024.

NLRC Chairperson Grace Maniquiz-Tan led officials and staff in planting 34 balobo tree seedlings, a species native to the Philippines. The event also included representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), headed by Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems, and Climate Change, Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh.

In her address, Chairperson Maniquiz-Tan expressed gratitude to the DENR for organizing the initiative, emphasizing her hope that such activities become an annual tradition for NLRC personnel.

“We will not wait another 50 years to do an activity like this. It is essential to address the growing problem of climate change now,” said Chairperson Maniquiz-Tan.

She further pledged the NLRC’s continued involvement in combating climate change, underscoring the importance of advocating for the development of green jobs and blue jobs in the country.

“Although our primary focus is resolving labor disputes, we acknowledge that some of the cases we handle may stem from the urgent need to transition to sustainable employment opportunities,” she added.

The tree-planting initiative is part of the Commission’s broader efforts to promote community engagement and sustainable development.

Known as the "last ecological frontier" of Metro Manila, La Mesa Ecopark spans 33 hectares and is home to 220 species of flora and fauna, including 135 plant species and 53 bird species.

With this event, the NLRC reaffirms its dedication to addressing climate change while supporting national biodiversity conservation efforts.