Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF) understands the importance of planting trees and its role in battling climate change; that under the shade of trees, whether upland or along the coastlines, lies both terrestrial and marine life. And for NWTF, preserving these natural habitats is a priority, especially for cleaner air and a greener tomorrow for future generations.
In November 2023, NWTF, a home-grown NGO that is also celebrating its 40th founding anniversary, launched the 1 Million Trees and Counting Campaign, aiming to build a sustainable and green future for all.
“We are happy to share that, as of this writing, we have planted 129, 086 trees across our branches nationwide. This just shows the dedication of the NWTF-Dungganon family, our partners, and the communities we work with to make a difference for the environment,” NWTF Executive Director Suzzette Gaston said in a press release.
“We are grateful for the support we have received since the launch of our 1 Million Trees and Counting campaign last November. This inspires us to continue making conscious efforts to become environmental stewards, protecting and preserving our environment—our only home,” Gaston added.
Of the total trees planted, more than eighty thousand were simultaneously planted as part of NWTF’s celebration of International Women’s Month last March 9 across nine locations where NWTF-Dungganon operates: Guimaras, Bantayan-Cebu, Moalboal, Bicol, Capiz, Bago, Ilog, Talisay, and Silay.
More tree-growing activities will be scheduled throughout the year as NWTF enters its fourth decade of building vibrant Dungganon communities.
“The key to the success of this whole campaign is in enjoining more people, local groups or clubs, advocates, local government units, and organizations to work for a common goal – environmental preservation and conservation,” Raymond Serios, NWTF Director for Administration and Strategic Projects said.
“Through our collective action, we aim to reach and touch the lives of not only our clients and their families but, most importantly, the local communities where we operate. This is part of our renewed mission of building more sustainable Dungganon communities,” Serios added.
To empower more people and become part of the journey towards a greener earth, NWTF developed a tree-growing toolkit available for everyone to use. The toolkit will include tips on planting and growing trees, engaging the community to organize their own tree-growing activities, and sustainable practices that people can emulate. It will be a free and valuable guide to encourage a greener, healthier world. The tree-growing toolkit is available on the official NWTF website (https://nwtf.org.ph/1mt/) starting March 15.
“We hope that using this tool kit transforms individuals into agents of positive change, sowing the seeds for a greener tomorrow. We invite you to share this journey with our Dungganon family and, together, let us cultivate a legacy of responsible stewardship for the well-being of generations to come,” Gaston said.*
