Lagawe, Ifugao - While would-be couples from other provinces are busy just preparing papers needed for their weddings, couples here are busy planting trees.
A new ordinance signed by Mayor Caesario Cabbigat requires couples planning to get married to plant five trees before the local chief executive officiates their wedding.
Engaged couples may plant trees on their garden or on a vacant government-owned land.
A certification from the chairman of the barangay where the couple resides would attest that they have accomplished the requirements of the town's ordinance.
Cabbigat said that requiring couples to plant trees before they are allowed to marry would help add trees to their municipality.
He said that it will also teach them how to value their future family because planting trees symbolizes the raising of a child.
