Planting Hope, Honoring Farmers: Rotary Club of Marikina East’s Celebration of Gratitudeat Romero’s Farm, San Simon, Pampanga

Magtanim ay di biro. It is not easy to till the land, to brave the scorching sun, endure the rains, and labor through long hours just to ensure that food reaches every Filipino table. Yet, because of the resilience and dedication of our farmers, rice—the heart of every Filipino meal—remains within reach for millions of families.

On August 30 and 31, 2025, the Rotary Club of Marikina East traveled to Romero’s Farm in San Simon, Pampanga to celebrate not just a harvest, but gratitude. The club honored farmers with heartfelt gifts of grocery packs—humble yet meaningful tokens of appreciation for their tireless work, dedication, and sacrifice.

“These tokens are more than supplies,” said RC Marikina East Good President Abegail Espinas.

“They are symbols of Rotary’s gratitude for the unspoken heroes who dedicate their lives to feeding our country.”

But the event did not end with gift-giving. In true Rotary spirit, members of the Rotary Club of Marikina East rolled up their sleeves and planted fruit-bearing trees of langka (jackfruit) and guyabano (soursop) across the farm. These trees stand as living testaments of hope, resilience, and continuity—future providers of shade, nourishment, and cleaner air for generations to come.

As the saying goes: “Take care of the trees, and they will take care of you.” This simple truth guides the club’s mission to protect the environment, safeguard the future, and inspire others to join in sustainable action.

This project directly supports Rotary’s Areas of Focus, particularly Supporting the Environment. By empowering farmers and nurturing the earth, the Rotary Club of Marikina East strengthens its commitment to sustainable, high-impact projects that benefit entire communities.

“Service Above Self takes root in acts of kindness,” President Espinas reflected, “grows in fields of gratitude, and blossoms into a future where every Filipino family thrives.”

Through projects like this, the Rotary Club of Marikina East continues to plant not just trees but hope—hope for a greener tomorrow, for food security, and for a future where every Filipino family flourishes.