First Lady Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos was honored Sunday in a tree-planting ceremony inside Bacolod City's Upper East township which is owned and developed by property giant Megaworld.

Megaworld honored the First Lady by dedicating a Bitaog tree, the first tree of its kind to be planted inside the 34-hectare township development.

"We are privileged to dedicate this Bitaog tree in honor of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. We are delighted to have this tree become a part of our developmental efforts here in The Upper East," said Alliance Global Inc. CEO and Megaworld chief strategy officer Kevin Tan.

According to Tan, the township's location is "close to the heart" of the First Lady as it was the former site of the Bacolod-Murcia Milling Company which the First Lady's father used to manage as head of operations.

"Dedicating this tree to the First Lady is very symbolic for us as it will soon witness the rise of Bacolod's modern central business district, just like how the century-old trees preserved inside the township witnessed the history of BMMC together with Mr. Araneta himself," he added.

Endemic to the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia, the Bitaog tree (scientific name: Calophylluminophyllum) is revered for its strength, beauty, and fragrant flowers.

The Bitaog tree acts as a natural barrier along coastal areas because of its ability to withstand typhoons and other calamities.

The tree symbolizes the vibrant spirit of the Negrense, which have had their share of crises and calamities but exhibited steadfastness and resiliency.

Megaworld is preserving about 100 native trees inside its township developments across the Philippines as part of its thrust to highlight sustainability and care for the environment.

It is also planning to develop The Upper East into a "smart development," where residents and guests of the township can enjoy free WiFi in select locations or explore the entire development either by riding e-vehicles or traveling from one point to another on foot with smart crosswalks.

The First Lady was accompanied by her son William Vincent Marcos, and was joined by local officials, including Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Jose Francis "Kiko" Benitez, and Bacolod City Lone District Congressman Greg Gasataya.