By Nova Penaverde Regalario
Read the English article here .
Despite the heat and cold in the mountains of San Cristobal in San Pablo, Laguna, native trees are being planted patiently as part of the Haribon Foundation's Forests For Life Movement. It is supported by various individuals and groups that aim to restore the damaged forests of the Philippines.
Tree planting is a type of heroism in the cooperation of people's organizations , donors and volunteers , and various agencies. However, as difficult as climbing the mountains, there are many challenges associated with advancing this goal.
I still remember the story of one of the families of the San Cristobal Farmers Association (SCFA), one of Haribon's helping organizations in the rainforest program .
When Father Carding and Mother Maring's son from Saudi Arabia got sick, they had to temporarily stop the program to take care of him. Unfortunately, their son died.
I used to be with Father Carding and Mother Maring in begging for the planting of trees. But a few weeks after what happened to their son, I thought they would take a break from planting trees.
The following month of our ascension, I saw the couple. Sadness is still in their eyes.
I approached them and said hello.
"It's okay. We're going upstairs so we won't be too sad," said the couple. "When we are here on the mountain, the sadness disappears."
I returned it with a smile and thanks for their company.
Despite what they are going through, I am impressed by their efforts to stay part of the change.
I met the couple during our two years together in the mountains. Many times during our meal or rest, we exchange life stories.
There was also a time when a typhoon caught us while we were in the plantation area. I shouted because I couldn't see them in the thick of the cloud. The weather took a turn for the worse by night—the wind was strong, there were drops of rain, the cold was palpable and the plastic covering that served as a wall was almost removed from the hut we slept in that night.
The storm stopped the next day and we continued our preparations for the arrival of the planting volunteers .
Sometimes, Mother Linda and I are also together.
Farming is the main source of income for Mother Linda, a single parent. In farming he supported his six children. Mother Linda is involved in the propagation of indigenous crops while continuing to earn a living.
He and I often go up the mountain with me, along with other members of the San Cristobal Farmers.
But there are times when only a few members like Mother Linda and Mother Maring go up because the others have to go to work in town. Others have to take care of their main income of growing vegetables and raising animals.
"We are happy with what we do even if there are times when we are laughed at. Sometimes we bring crops. They are asking what we will get or what is the value of these trees that we will plant," said Mother Linda.
"We are explaining that this is for all of us—because it is important to cultivate the mountain of San Cristobal."
According to Nanay Maring, even if others do not understand what they are doing, they will also see its benefits in the future.
"We also want them to join us in planting. Although it is difficult, we know that this is for us and the next generation," he said.
The Haribon Foundation, together with community partners, promotes the restoration of damaged forests to maintain the balance of our ecosystem . It is also important to preserve and save endangered species.
You can see the joy in their eyes whenever we talk about the growth of the trees planted with the volunteers . They happily share with volunteers and sponsors their experiences while walking to the planting site; from stories about preparing land to permanently plant trees, mowing grass that is almost twice their height, digging holes in the ground for the tree, and even simply marking each hole.
Just like a mother takes care of her children, making sure that the seedlings also grow properly. And just like a child who is given proper attention and love, these trees also return his nurturing—through food, raw materials , clean water, air, and shelter of various kinds. life.
With every foray into the steep forest, there are more stories waiting to be told – stories of healing, hope, and dreams.
