By Kenneth Marcos 
On a quiet school day in Malabon City, teachers and government workers walked slowly around a campus garden, checking plants, soil, and trees. What looked like a simple visit was part of a bigger effort to bring nature closer to young students growing up in a crowded city.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, through its Metropolitan Environmental Office–North, recently conducted an ocular visit at Potrero Elementary School I. The activity is part of the DENR’s continuing partnership with public schools to strengthen urban greening and environmental education across Metro Manila.
The visit was led by the Conservation and Development Division – Production Forest Management Section, working closely with DENR MEO–North. Their main goal was to improve the school’s urban garden and turn it into a stronger learning space for pupils. The garden is meant to teach children the value of planting, caring for nature, and living in a more sustainable way.
During the site assessment, Ecosystems Management Specialist I Jovenel Tancingco carefully examined the garden area. He documented the condition of the space and reviewed its layout to help with future landscape planning. He also prepared initial inputs for a technical report that will guide the next steps of development.
Tancingco shared early recommendations on what types of plants could still be added to the school garden. These include species that are suitable for limited spaces and easy for children to help maintain. He also assured school officials that DENR will continue providing technical assistance to support the garden’s long-term growth.
Urban gardens in schools play an important role, especially in cities like Malabon where open green spaces are limited. They help students understand where food comes from and how plants support clean air, cooler surroundings, and healthier communities. For many pupils, this may be their first hands-on experience with planting and caring for greenery.
The activity also highlighted the importance of properly identifying tree species and knowing the age of existing trees inside the school grounds. Teacher Niño Raphael Cruz stressed that this knowledge is important not only for protecting trees but also for educating both teachers and students about urban forestry.
Knowing the type and age of trees helps schools care for them properly and avoid unnecessary cutting. It also builds awareness among learners about the value of old and mature trees, which provide shade, absorb carbon, and support biodiversity even in urban areas.
In response, the DENR teams expressed readiness to return to the school for a more detailed assessment. This next visit may include DENR foresters who will conduct a full tree inventory and age evaluation. Some trees may even qualify as century trees, which are protected due to their age and environmental importance.
Such follow-up activities show DENR’s commitment to working closely with schools and local stakeholders. By providing guidance and technical support, the agency aims to make environmental programs more effective and sustainable.
The partnership with Potrero Elementary School I reflects a broader effort to nurture environmental responsibility among the youth. Teaching children to care for plants and trees at an early age helps build habits that can last a lifetime.
As cities continue to grow, small green spaces like school gardens become even more valuable. Through cooperation between schools and government agencies, these spaces can serve as living classrooms that inspire students to protect and respect the environment.
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