It is elating so many continue to add their voices to the recognition of jurisdictions covering Philippine territory. Many have pledged life and limb to the cause. Yet should we not expect the same drive and energy directed at protecting what is within reach? Sovereignty is not an abstract concept.

It is easy to stake a claim on islands only few have seen, touched, or stood on. But what about esteros in our neighborhoods? And who will lift a finger to protect and propagate our native trees and plants? Ficus trees that served as home to countless numbers of orchids and other epiphytes – felled or slated to be cleared for a dam in Pakil, Laguna. Rarang – the majestic Erythrina subumbrans or coral tree – destroyed or left without companions, including countless known and unstudied plants in what was once their understory. Trees lining Quirino Avenue, slaughtered.

See this majestic Dita in Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City. Known as Alstonia scholaris, this particular tree saved dozens of adults and children during the deluge brought by Ondoy in 2009. It was even given an award a year later and named the Hero Tree. Like many of the nation’s heroes, this Dita is neglected, forgotten. Yet it still stands as a towering reminder.

Fighting for our sovereignty means fighting to protect what is within our ability to protect, without need of international arbitral rulings. This is how we must begin to commemorate July 12 as well.

*BusinessMirror, “The lighthouse and the shield,” 7/12/26. We thank The Gardening Botanist for weekly inspiration.