Plant a Tree for a Better Tomorrow

This weekend, me and my officemates joined PTT Gas Up for A Tree Project which seeks to plant 10,000 trees in the next 6 months situated in Sitio Kanawan, Morong, Bataan.

 Off to Sitio Kanawan!

The Aeta Magbukun Tribe are the ones whose gonna benefit from this reforestation project, for the bearings that the participants planted will be used for livelihood purposes. 

Wide-Out Workforces Inc., (basically us!) is the official technology provider for this initiative. Our company created SnapPlot, which basically monitor where the planted tree is located and see it live at the application. Oh, it's a mobile application though it's not available yet in the Android market. 

START OF THE DAY

Before we kick things off, we were invited by PTT for their first tree planting project. And yeah, the original plan is I'll be going all alone. I mean, no way, its fun really, but safety first. Until my manager told me that I can tag at least 5 friends to come along to Bataan. Then I get to have this amazing people to accompany me.

I made it a point to have a roll call for the real developers and QA from the previous Bataan stint (which is the Flora Adventure Hunt). And alas I made them to say YES!

So June 29 came, and I need to get myself prepared both mentally and physically. The meetup point with my colleague is at 3AM, and to tell him honestly I woke up 2:34AM! Darn it Im late! Then we met up in the spot and proceeded directly to the bus terminal and to rendezvous with the remaining teammates at Mandaluyong. We were so late and we rented a taxi to bring us at Veterans Village PTT gasoline station.

 Wide-Out and PTT Team Leaders!

The bus is preparing to go as we arrived, registered and like any other participants, were briefed. We have tons of freebies as well from PTT!

Right after, we've gone downstairs and proceeded to the front of the bus. The participants were categorized into groups and similarities to the elementary days, a field trip is dealt. lol

 

BATAAN PROPER & PROGRAM

The bus as we we head to Bataan traveling approximately 2 for hours, games are done.  Then we arrived in Morong.

Mga Bayani ng Kalikasan Director Dennis Cuarto, welcomed the participants and briefed us safety and the overall history of the initiative. Then, the eco-trekking begins.

We traversed a concrete path going up and downhill to the tribe proper of Magubukun. We crossed the scary hanging bridge, which shockingly - motorcycles can cross. And as we walk along, a good view of the mountain and the river is visible as well.

Participants planted 1000 seedlings composed of Kasuy, Guyabano and Langka, which the Magbukun tribe can use for future livelihood. The event is graced by the presence of Bases and Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) chairman Felicito Payumo, who planted the first seedling. Part of the program as well are the Magbukun kids presenting a dance number with matching tribal costumes.

At the Magubukun Tribe Multi-purpose Hall, Chieftain Roberto Tamondog made the 'Baging' cutting ceremony (a replacement to ribbon) to formally welcome the participants in their hometown.

CONCLUSION

As the we head back to the Bataan Technology Park, we are invited to take our lunch. We are at the end of the line, so foods were cut short!! So, we better wait for the 5th arrival of the buffet meals. 

Right after, we rushed back to our bus, returned safely at PTT veterans village. I then gave the PTT team leaders my calling card for future reference. We exchanged numbers, and bid ourselves, "THANK YOU VERY MUCH, SEE YOU AGAIN AT THE NEXT TREE PLANTING!"

PS: I would like to give a shout out to Ms. Maica Alanis for being our main contact person at PTT! 

Also, to Ms. Krizette Del Mundo (Kisses) for giving us the best presence and being the best team leader ever!

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