At least 80 probationers and parolees from Asingan and San Manuel towns, together with the police and personnel of the municipalities, have planted over 500 tree seedlings here.

In an interview on Wednesday, Urdaneta City Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) chief probation officer Danilo Corpuz said the tree planting activity was part of the probation conditions for persons deprived of liberty (PDL).

“One of the conditions is for them to render voluntary service community work. The activity is also part of the agency’s advocacy for the environment,” he said.

Among the tree seedlings, they have planted are bangar, mahogany, “kasoy” (cashew), “atis (sugar apple), “langka (jackfruit), and “dalayap” (citrus).

The 300 seedlings out of the 500 were from the provincial government of Pangasinan.

“Tree planting is an important part of their probation as it signifies their good deeds towards the community,” Corpuz said.

He said they will also conduct tree planting activities in San Manuel town.

Corpuz said most of the PDLs were jailed for violating Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act.

He added the activity was part of the PPA’s founding anniversary celebration.

“Aside from this, we will also conduct (an) information drive in (the) Urdaneta City jail female dorm to disseminate information on parole and probation to the PDLs there,” he said.

Also lined up are the sports fest and civil wedding of one of the PDLs. (PNA)