ROTARY CLUBS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERS CHAMPION TREE GROWING PROJECT IN MANGATAREM

Mangatarem, Pangasinan – Demonstrating Rotary's enduring commitment to environmental stewardship, the Rotary Club of Central Pangasinan (RCCP) joined fellow Rotary clubs in Pangasinan and the Pangasinan Native Trees Enthusiasts (PNTE) in a meaningful Tree Growing Project held at Daang Kalikasan, Mangatarem, Pangasinan.

The initiative brought together Rotarians and environmental advocates in a shared mission of restoring and preserving the province's natural ecosystem through the planting of native tree species, reinforcing Rotary's commitment to creating healthier and more sustainable communities for future generations.

Leading the delegation of the Rotary Club of Central Pangasinan was President Jason Estrada, while Cluster 2-B Assistant Governor Jojo Cuison spearheaded the participation of the Rotary clubs within the cluster. Also actively participating were the Rotary Club of Dagupan, headed by President Boyet Bigcas, Rotary Club of Uptown Dagupan, led by President Edwin Cancino, and the Rotary Club of Mangatarem headed by President Michael Datlag.

The activity was conducted in close partnership with the Pangasinan Native Trees Enthusiasts (PNTE), led by its Founder and President, Celso Salazar, a retired DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) Officer. A former member of the Rotary Club of Central Pangasinan, Salazar served as the club's Vice President during Rotary Year 2022–2023. Through his steadfast advocacy for the propagation and conservation of native tree species, he has inspired and spearheaded numerous environmental initiatives throughout Pangasinan.

Representing the Rotary Club of Central Pangasinan alongside President Estrada were Past President Nats Alipio, Directors Merissa Villamor and Muhammad Shamim, Club Treasurer Mikey Fabe, and Rotarians Rose Cabatbat and Rizza Paramio, all of whom actively participated in the tree planting activity.

More than simply planting seedlings, the project symbolized the participants' collective commitment to environmental conservation, climate resilience, and responsible stewardship of natural resources. By prioritizing native tree species, the initiative contributes to biodiversity conservation and the long-term restoration of local forests and watersheds.

The Tree Growing Project likewise underscored the power of collaboration among Rotary clubs, government partners, environmental organizations, and community volunteers in addressing ecological challenges through sustained and meaningful action.

As Rotary continues to champion service above self, activities such as this reaffirm that every tree planted today represents hope for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable tomorrow.