The Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF) launches 37,000 Trees: Punong Handog Para sa Inang Kalikasan Project.
The project is part of the continuous environmental conservation efforts of NWTF in line with th organization’s 37th Anniversary.
NWTF commits to planting 37,000 trees in areas where NWTF operates across the Philippines.
Endemics trees, fruit trees, and mangrove trees will comprise the 37,000 trees target.
“We know that there are limitations on movements because of the pandemic, but this clearly will not stop us from doing what we believe should be done for the environment,” said Suzzette Gaston, NWTF Executive Director.
Gaston reiterated the importance of preserving and protecting our most significant home and provider, the environment.
NWTF, along with its partners, through the years, played an active role in caring for the environment through various projects, including clean-up drives, tree planting and growing programs, renewable energy usage, and environmental awareness.
“Thirty-seven years ago, we committed to working together with our clients to achieve better tomorrows, but that will only be possible if we still have a world to live in. That is why we have to be part of the solution and work together on protecting our environment,” said Gaston.
In this light, over 800 mangrove seedlings were planted in the village of Sampinit, Bago, 9 August
2021, to kick off the year-long tree growing project of NWTF.
NWTF partnered with Bago, People’s Organization, and Provincial Environmental Management Office (PEMO) to make tree-growing activity possible.
NWTF head office and Project Dungganon Bago branch employees participated in the activity. NWTF Client Services Department stayed behind and conducted a coastal clean-up after the planting activity.
“In the coming weeks and months, similar tree growing activities will take place in the respective areas where our 194 branches are situated,” said Raymond Serios, NWTF Assistant Director for Administration and Strategic Projects.
Serios noted that all safety protocols will be followed in compliance with the implementing guidelines under the different local government units.
“Complementary to this project, we have also launched a month-long internal environmental campaign called Pledge iCARE (I Care and Am Responsible for the Environment). This is a campaign that pledges support to conscious efforts for the environment in forms of recycling, reducing the use of plastics, repurposing, etc., in the workplace,” Serios added.
These two environmental projects are just a few of NWTF’s ways to meaningfully celebrate its 37th Anniversary. The organization plans to develop more comprehensive and sustainable approaches ensuring that the communities will be involved in the process. NWTF hopes that as the trees grow, it will also help stimulate and strengthen environmental consciousness bringing in more people, institutions, and organizations to collectively work together for a greener future.
