The Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCPIC) was out in full force in Tanay, Rizal, together with PAPSIPAG, its sponsored people’s organization, to support the local government’s tree-planting campaign during a June 29 program to celebrate National Arbor Day.
The PAFCPIC contingent was led by the Vice President for Membership Affairs and Community Development Ms. Maria Teresa Z. Garnace and Community Development Manager Ms. Criselda L. Bagagnan. They were hosted by Ms. Ma Lani B. Sacramento, Manager of PAFCPIC Satellite Office-Tanay, together with members of PAPSIPAG.
“Tanay is the first community that PAFCPIC adopted for our community development program, and PAPSIPAG is the first people’s organization we’ve sponsored and partnered with,” noted Ms. Garnace. “We couldn’t be more proud of PAPSIPAG’s accomplishments. We are happy to see that your livelihood program is going strong and that you have gone even further by partnering with the Tanay local government to rehabilitate the environment.”
In attendance during the program were representatives of the local government led by Tanay Acting Mayor Jaime B. Vista. The program was a belated celebration of Arbor Day, an internationally celebrated holiday that encourages people to plant trees and save the world’s forests.
Expressing gratitude to PAFCPIC and PAPSIPAG for their support, Mr. Vista said: “On the surface, today’s program may seem like a simple gathering, but we at the local government recognize that we are making big strides when it comes to our environmental programs because of support from people like you. So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”
After the program, the PAFCPIC and PAPSIPAG contingents were guided deeper into the mountain by Forest Ranger Stephen Samonte for the tree-planting activity.
“We start planting in June, and we do it every weekend all the way to December,” explained Mr. Samonte. “Any person or group who would like to volunteer to help us in this endeavor is welcome to join. Just contact us, and we can schedule the tree-planting activity for you.”
The local government aims to plant over 35,000 trees in Tanay forests and mountains this year. With the support of local volunteers and people’s organizations, this target may well be achieved, if not exceeded.
