RC New Manila: “1M Trees to Ward off the Water Crisis”
Last January 18, 2006, RC New Manila officers and members kicked-off their signature project: One Million Trees. RI District 3780 Gov. Benjie Bacorro and Tanay Mayor Tom Tanjuatco did the symbolic tree-planting at the Kaliwa Watershed in Tanay, Rizal. Special guest at the event was 1999 Ms. Philippines – Universe Miriam Quiambao. Several Service Presidents and spouses were also present.
The project was launched in recognition of the importance of watershed development and management to cushion the adverse effects of an impending water crisis in Metro Manila.
At its planning conference at Fontana Resort Clark Field, Pampanga last May 31 to June 1, RCNM committed to have ONE MILLION TREES planted in a watershed. After a long search and meetings with authorities, RCMN selected the Kaliwa Watershed that will impound water for the Layban Dam in Tanay.
Presently, the water sources of Metro Manila are La Mesa Watershed and Angat Watershed. Both are now being threatened by deforestation causing substantial water reduction. The Kaliwa Watershed is seen as one alternative water source. However, it has no water impounding structure and its vegetative cover is not in good shape. Almost half of the watershed is already deforested.
The project aims to make Rotary International District 3780, spearheaded by RC New Manila, a component in the reforestation efforts of the government in partnership with peoples’ organizations and other sectors to maintain the tree plantation at the Kaliwa Watershed by planting one million trees over a period of five years.
To achieve this objective, RCNM is inviting other Rotary clubs within and without District 3780, professional, other non-government organizations, and other interested residents and families living outside the watershed to join the project.
A massive whole day tree planting activity is slated for May 20, 2006.
The Tanay town folks, represented by Mayor Tanjuatco, and RC New Manila, are inviting all D-3780 clubs to participate in the tree planting. The grand implementation plan for the project will be unveiled at the site.
