Planting for a better tomorrow

Over 2,500 native and fruit trees were planted by the joint efforts of Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), members from the academe, and organizations during a simultaneous tree-planting activity in Sitio Pulakpulakan, Brgy. San Fernando and Brgy. Katilingban, in Talisay City, Friday, June 16, 2023.
Together for the environment

“Today is very special for us at NWTF as we once again reaffirm our commitment to ensuring sustainable communities by taking action and planting trees to show our care and concern for the environment. It is doubly special as we are doing this on the occasion of our Executive Director, Ms. Suzzete Gaston’s birthday, and together with partners, allies, and other organizations who have joined us. We certainly look forward to more collaborations with them.” NWTF Director for Administration and Strategic Projects Raymond Serios said.

Recognizing the need to work hand-in-hand for the environment, there were many who readily accepted NWTF’s invitation. The Technological University of the Phillippines – Visayas (TUPV), Bacolod City National High School (BCNHS), Colegio San Agustin – Bacolod (CSA-B), SM City Bacolod, Makati Development Corporation, Talisay Youth Organization (Tayo), Volunteers from Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc (PRRCFI) and members of the local community joined the tree planting in Brgy. Katilingban.

Meanwhile, representatives from Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Office, Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), Talisay Bantay Bukid, and Citizen Crime Watch-Talisay Chapter joined the NWTF representatives in the tree planting in Sitio Pulakpulakan, San Fernando, Talisay.

NWTF is grateful for the support the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental has given through the Provincial Administrator Office and PEMO, as well as the Talisay City Local Government Unit for gladly supporting the activity.

All in all, 289 participants have joined the activity in both locations, with 185 NWTF partners from the academe, private sectors, local government, and community members. An overwhelming response from various sectors affirms everyone’s commitment to working together for the environment.

Forester Diana Samson expressed that working together with multi-sectors is a great catalyst for change. It has led people to become more aware of the situation of our environment and the effects of climate change.

“Our forest covers here in Negros have declined greatly, so we really need to take action such as these tree planting activities, and carefully study which species are suitable to what type of lands or area. These efforts not only help in protecting our environment but also in restoring the denuded lands which help the local community and the future generations as well,” Samson added.

The tree planting initiative came months after a successful coastal clean-up drive of NWTF in areas where it operates all over the Philippines last March 10 in celebration of International Women’s Month.

Saving our home

NWTF wanted to address environmental issues close to home as there has been a recorded decline of natural forests in Negros Occidental. This puts in danger all the wild animals and other endemic species of Negros and Panay; these include the West Visayas Big 5: the Visayan Spotted Deer, Visayan Warty Pig, Visayan Tarictic Hornbill, Negros Bleeding Heart Dove, and the critically endangered Rufous Headed Hornbill. All of them depend on abundant forest covers as their natural habitat.

According to Global Forests Watch: From 2001 to 2021, Negros Occidental lost 7.56kha of tree cover, equivalent to a 3.4% decrease in tree cover since 2000, and 4.06Mt of CO₂e emissions.

“We should be doing something about this growing problem not only in Negros but all over the country, and we must act now. We need everyone’s support to save our forests, and it is also for that reason that we specifically invited the next generation to be part of this activity,” Serios added.

“We all have to acknowledge that this is not a problem of just one generation. This is a problem that affects all. And we should all be responsible and be proactive in protecting and taking care of the environment.” he said.

Ralph Angolo from Carlos Hilado Memorial State University and TAYO expressed his support for initiatives like this, especially for the environment because for him it is our social responsibility to preserve our environment as we ourselves are the reason that our nature has degraded into its current state.
Why it matters

Forests provide the local communities with food, fresh water, wood, and an abundant supply of oxygen in the air we breathe, not just in the Philippines but all over the world.

An article from the International Union for Conservation of Nature on Forest and Climate Change states:
• Globally, 1.6 billion people (nearly 25% of the world’s population) rely on forests for their livelihoods, many of whom are the world’s poorest
• Forests provide US$ 75–100 billion per year in goods and services, such as clean water and healthy soils
• Forests are home to 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity.

Most importantly, around 2.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide is absorbed by forests every year, making it one of the most critical solutions to address the effects of climate change.

“We can help prevent further destruction of our ozone layer and this helps not only us but the future generations as well,” said Trexxy Montillano, Student Government President of CSA-B.
Towards a greener tomorrow

To tread on a more holistic approach toward greener tomorrows, NWTF has taken sustainable efforts on its own base of operations, showing its commitment to the environment.

“By rethinking and redesigning how we use resources, reducing waste, and encouraging efficient, regenerative processes, we can create a prosperous, equitable, and environmentally responsible future for all. The integration of circular economy principles into our systems and practices is crucial for achieving long-term sustainability,’ NWTF Project Supervisor on Circular Economy Princess Bala-an said.

“Earlier this year, we at NWTF implemented policies and adopted practices that promote waste management, energy conservation, and efficiency. These are just a few initiatives that will take place within the next few years as NWTF aims to reach its goal of sustainability together with its clients, the Dungganon family, and partners,” she added.* (Noelle Ibarra, Kiefer Reje/Negros Women For Tomorrow Foundation)