One hundred fifty pine tree seedlings were planted on June 26, 2026, at the vicinity of Tatayaen Cave in Sitio Mabisil, Barangay Ankileng, Sagada, as part of the cave’s official launching and the observance of Arbor Day.

The activity brought together government agencies, local officials, volunteers, and community members. It was led by the Professional Regulation Commission–Cordillera Administrative Region (PRC-CAR) in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Sagada, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other partner agencies.

Robert Inumpa Jr. From Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Sabangan said, Tatayaen was selected as the planting site because it is a Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) rehabilitation area established in 2013. He added that continuous tree planting improves the survival rate of the plantation and supports long-term forest rehabilitation.

PRC-CAR Regional Director Juanita L. Domogen emphasized that while the agency initiates tree-planting activities, the long-term care and management of the planted trees will be carried out by the local community. She also underscored the importance of replacing every tree that is cut by planting new ones.

Domogen said, the agency has been conducting tree-planting activities since 2021 as part of its environmental conservation efforts. It encouraged communities to actively participate in protecting forests, noting that if every Filipino planted 100 trees, it could significantly increase oxygen production by helping absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The Benguet pine seedlings were provided by the CENRO Sabangan. Planting trees aims to help prevent soil erosion, protect the watershed, and preserve the natural beauty of Tatayaen Cave as it opens as a new ecotourism destination.

Jestoni Culbengan of the Municipal Tourism Office said tree planting is important because it helps create a better environment and improves the condition of nature.

Meanwhile, Lt. Ronilo Tompong of the Philippine Army said planting trees helps prevent disasters, particularly landslides, while also protecting Mother Earth. The activity captures the shared commitment of government agencies and the local community to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism, helping ensure that Tatayaen Cave remains protected.