I am a resident of Benguet, and I've experienced firsthand the warmth that seems to creep ever higher with each passing year. Our iconic coldness, once the pride of Benguet and neighboring Baguio, is slowly being eroded away. I consequently urge everyone to understand the importance of this issue that affects us in a profoundly personal way. Our beloved pine trees, which not only act as a beautiful symbol of our local identity but also play crucial roles in maintaining our climates, are under threat. Moreover, they act as a natural means to combat the rising temperatures due to Climate Change. According to Global Forest Watch, we lost approximately 46,000 hectares of pine forest between 2001 and 2020. This rapid deforestation is causing the upwards creep of temperature, turning our 'cool summers' into a nostalgic memory.

We therefore call on our local government and community to not only enact laws protecting existing pine trees but also inaugurate an increased tree planting initiative. It's not just about preserving our environmental heritage, but also a proactive step towards balancing our local climate. Please join me in this fight for our trees, and, by extension, our home. Sign this petition today.