Manila, Feb. 18 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Western Visayas (DENR-6) on Tuesday called on candidates in the May 12 midterm elections to become environmentally conscious and spare trees from their campaign materials.

"We ask all the candidates to utilize designated posting areas for their materials and spare the trees; protect our trees from harm," said DENR-6 Executive Director Raul Lorilla in a statement.

He said hanging or nailing campaign materials to trees can cause significant damage to the bark, which serves as the protective layer.

"This creates entry points for diseases and pests and can also harm the cambium layer, a crucial tissue that transports water and nutrients throughout the tree. Such inju...