Manila, June 12 -- As the country marks the 127th Philippine Independence Day on Thursday, national pride takes root not only in parades and flag-raising ceremonies but also in the quiet presence of heritage trees-living witnesses to the nation's enduring history.

In line with the celebration of Philippine Environment Month, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) spotlighted these natural monuments in a Facebook post on Wednesday, reminding the public that heritage trees are more than just greenery in the city.

They are symbols of memory, identity, and resilience.

These trees, often overlooked in our urban sprawl, are living chronicles of history, bearing silent witness to the country's...