RI District 3800 Tree Planting Project
PP Gener Dizon, Preserve Planet Earth Chair

    The District 3800 Preserve Planet Earth Committee worked really as a team to come up with the excellent preparations for the Tree Planting Project last December 18, 2010 at the Palayan Ng Bayan, Brgy. Cuyambao, Tanay, Rizal. This was co-chaired by IPDG Rudy San Felipe who originally initiated the adoption of the site and fully supported by DG Jun Farcon under their advocacy of synergy and continuity. Other team members are: PP Jun Abellar of RC Marikina East, PP Manny Chua of RC Tanay, Rtn. Manny Adriano of RC Marikina Central and our NGO partner Executive Director Ramon Flores of the Gro A Forest Foundation.

    Together we explored having a tripartite MOA amongst the RI District 3800, Gro A Forest Foundation and the Rizal Provincial Government of the right to adopt initially 200 hectare area to plant trees of indigenous species, relived the bio-diversity of a tropical forest within a period of 25 years; further develop it into an Eco –Tourism Park. If we have animal zoo and ocean park for the fishes, why not a TREE ZOO! The same is now under the office of Rizal Department of Agriculture Head, Dr. Rey Bonita.

Highlights:

  1. The identification of a permanent area for Rotary’s yearly tree planting activities at the Palayan Ng Bayan, Brgy.Cuyambao, Tanay, Rizal.
  2. The suggestion of making the 4th Saturday of July as the District 3800 Tree Planting day every year as we call on all District Governors - Past and Future to support.
  3. The launching of the “Isang Daang Piso Para Sa Kalikasan” per Rotarian fund solicitation to take care of the expenses for the procuring the tree seedlings and other underlying expenses.
  4. The procurement of 2,000 indigenous tree seedlings, 300 malunggay branches, the 1,000 mahogany and the 50 giant bamboo seedlings from PP Gener Dizon were proof of our commitment to the preservation of planet earth.
  5. The participations of Sytengco Philippines Corporation, Honda Philippines which we can expand with the participation of others in fulfillment of their corporate social responsibility.
  6. The tapping of the services of Boy and Girl Scouts in the tree planting instilling its importance with their young minds.
  7. The participation of Ms. Earth Phils. 2010 Psyque O. Resus added luster and credibility.
  8. There were about 350 Rotarians and guests who rode in 50 vehicles more or less for the caravan.
  9. The media coverage particularly of TV 13 and UNTV created public awareness which enhanced the Public Image of Rotary.
  10. As we look forward for all the clubs in the district to support this yearly project through actual tree planting and or their financial contributions.

Brief descriptions of the indigenous tree seedlings we have planted:

  1. KALUMPIT – a relatively fast growing tree, its wood is suitable for light construction. It has edible fruits that can be made into wine.
  2. LIPOTE – a shade tree with edible fruits rich in Vitamin C that can also be made into wine.
  3. DAO – a timber hardwood species which is threatened to extinction if not propagated and taken care off. It’s of the giants of the Philippine forests.
  4. ALIBANGBANG – a hardwood species that thrives in the open areas. It can be used as ornamental tree due to its orchid-resembling flowers. Its young leaves are edible.
  5. BALAKAT GUBAT- a threatened endemic Philippine tree species.
  6. NARRA – also a highly threatened hardwood species because it is heavily logged in our natural forests. It can be used for ornamental purposes, its wood of superior quality for furniture.
  7. TUAI – its wood has long fiber that is good for pulp and paper production.
  8. LIBAS – a tree species with edible fruits and also its young leaves.

    The different species of trees we plant are like us Filipinos.  We are indigenous to the Philippines and endemic to some provinces. We all are different, we have different practices and dialect, yet we complete one Philippines.  We need to live and grow together for one purpose, to return life to the earth.

    And Mother Earth will nurture us,... our children and their children.