‘Marriage trees’ getting popular in Benguet towns

BENGUET, Philippines – What are “marriage trees,” and why is the Benguet provincial board praising the towns of Itogon and Kibungan for them?

Marriage trees are what these municipalities require engaged couples to plant before they are issued marriage licenses. Each couple is required to plant at least 5 trees.

This requirement is part of the agro-forestry programs of Itogon and Kibungan to help revitalize their forest covers, which have been reduced due to land conversion for agricultural, residential or industrial uses.

A biodiversity assessment conducted in 2012 by the Benguet State University-College of Forestry (BSU), in partnership with the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Incorporated (JVOFI), indicated that the floral and faunal diversity of the province is still rich but needs to be sustainably managed.

Provincial board members of Benguet said these policies of the two municipalities are in consonance with the requirements of the Family Code and the Civil Registry Law.

The provincial government of Iloilo has been doing too this since April this year, primarily with the help of the Catholic archdiocese. (READ: Iloilo: Want Church blessing? Plant trees first)

As of 2007, according to the Philippine Statistical Authority, Benguet had 132,557 married couples. The province at the time had 288,405 households. – Rappler.com