The Puerto Princesa Green Movement led by Rotary Club of Puerto Princesa together with government agencies, civic organizations, financial institutions, academic institutions, non-government organizations launched the project known as “Sama-samang Pagtatanim, Para sa Kalikasan Tungo sa Kinabukasan-Planting 20,000+++ Tree Seedlings,” on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm.
More than 100 participants joined the activity which was highlighted by the signing of commitment and tree planting activity in Km 22, Barangay Montible.
Edgar Allan Naraga, Life Changing President of the Rotary said that Puerto Princesa Green Movement targets to plant 20,000 seedlings and more.
They will plant it in identified sites in Barangay Irawan, Iwahig, Sta. Lucia, Montible and Inagawan-Sub. Afterwhich, they intend to expand it to nearby municipalities specifically in southern part of Palawan.
“Ang mga organizations na ito ay magsama-sama para sa patuloy na pagtatanim. Kailangang maitanim ito hanggang August 30, handog para sa ating kalikasan,” Naraga explained.
Chief Superintendent Joel R. Calvelo, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) Acting Superintendent emphasized the need to protect the City’s water source by planting more trees. Areas within the IPPF were identified as part of the tree planting sites.
Bobby L. Casto, CEO of Palawan Pawnshop, and one of the primemover of the activity, said that they will support the endeavor. He said that this is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Palawan Pawnshop, a home-grown company with 14,000 employees, that has expanded its presence to 78 provinces in the country.
The City Government of Puerto Princesa likewise has committed its full support to the initiative. City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron was represented by Executive Assistant Rolando “Bong” Amurao, who heads the mini-city hall in Barangay Luzviminda. Also present were City Councilors Roy Gregorio Ventura and Victor Oliveros.
The City Environment and Natural Resources Office of Puerto Princesa City was represented by Environmental Management Specialist II Forester Romina Magtanong and Community Development Assistant I Gerardo Reyes Jr.
The activity was also participated by uniformed personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard, Puerto Princesa City Water District, among others.