Púnong Punô ng Pag-asa: Growing a Legacy of Sustainable Service

Muddied soils, fresh cool air, and the scenic view of the Sierra Madre, along with the warm smiles of the Dumagat community, welcomed the members of the Rotary e-Club of All Star CAMANAVA (ReCASC), led by its Good President Maria Cristina C. Chua, on October 26, 2025, as they marked the third year of the club’s legacy project, Púnong Punô ng Pag-asa.

Púnong Punô ng Pag-asa is a reforestation initiative annually conducted by the Rotary e-Club of All Star CAMANAVA (ReCASC) at Punduhan ng mga Dumagat in Barangay San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan. The site forms part of a critical watershed area jointly monitored and protected by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Power Corporation (NPC). The watershed reserve is also home to a Dumagat community, one of the 110 recognized indigenous groups in the Philippines, who serve as forest stewards of the area.

Planting the First Seeds of Service

Understanding the need to contribute to environmental conservation, particularly the protectionof the Sierra Madre mountain range which serves as a natural barrier against typhoons in

Luzon, Púnong Punô ng Pag-asa was established through a collaboration in 2023 between ReCASC and the Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society, Inc. (SSMESI). Its chairperson, Ms. Gladys Fatima O. Genio played a key role in linking the club with the government-led forest rehabilitation efforts. Spearheaded by then Hope Creating President Jemuel A. Pilapil, ReCASC formally commenced the tree planting project.

The activity begins with the club ordering seedlings prepared by the Dumagat community, with each seedling costing Php25.00, and planting them in designated areas around the watershed. During the first and second years of the project, the club planted a total of 180 fruit-bearing trees such as rambutan, coffee, and java plum, locally known as duhat. In its third year, the club introduced 30 bamboo seedlings to diversify the area. By sourcing seedlings from the Dumagat community, the club was also able to provide livelihood support to them while contributing to the restoration of the ecosystem.

Growing Beyond Tree Planting

Over time, the project has become a familiar activity for both the club members and the Dumagat community in Norzagaray. What began as a simple tree planting effort gradually

evolved into something more meaningful. It developed into a partnership grounded in trust and shared purpose. While the initial goal was to contribute to reforestation and environmental sustainability, in line with Rotary’s Area of Focus on Supporting the Environment, the project naturally expanded to address other areas such as Community Economic Development, Basic Education and Literacy, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene.

Having seen the challenges faced by the community of forest stewards, the club, united for good, began identifying ways to provide additional support during each visit. Alongside environmental efforts, members started conducting learning sessions for Dumagat children in the third year. These sessions created safe spaces for curiosity and reinforced the importance of education as a foundation for long-term empowerment.

To nurture the children’s creativity and promote their development, the club distributed 50 sets of school supplies and art materials donated by SQI Philippines in recognition of its continued partnership with the club. Hot meals were also shared with the community during the club’s visit in October 2025, providing an opportunity for members to connect with the Dumagat families. In response to the community’s limited access to electricity, the club, through two of its members, Good President Chua and Rotarian Sherryl A. Rodriga, facilitated a donation to help address the lack of power in the area. Three sets of 200W solar lights were provided by GP Chua, while Rtn. Rodriga contributed extra batteries. Currently, the club is exploring ways to help ensure a more reliable water supply within the watershed and provide the IP community with access to clean and safe water.

Sustaining Impact on the Ground

The true measure of any project lies in the impact it creates for its beneficiaries, and this holds true for Púnong Punô ng Pag-asa. In a casual interview, Chairperson Genio emphasized the invaluable contribution of the club as partners in making Angat Watershed greener and more sustainable.

“My volunteerism is strengthened because of your constant assistance. Your generosity to the IP community means a lot to them,” she shared as she reflected on the difference the project has made over the years. She also noted that the bamboo seedlings planted in October were all thriving which symbolizes the project’s growing impact.

For the members of ReCASC, including Good President Chua, the project has also become a meaningful learning experience. “It makes me feel honored to have made a difference in the environment and in this community, especially in protecting our natural resources. Realizing that there are many children who need our help makes us even more eager to support them, as the education of the younger generation is vital. This will help them go further in life and uplift their quality of living in the future,” she shared.

Lessons in Service and Partnership

Service Above Self is a lifelong commitment carried in the heart of every Rotarian. It requires the giving of time, effort, and resources, but the impact it creates for communities and the environment is far more significant. Through initiatives like Púnong Punô ng Pag-asa, service becomes more than an act. It becomes a bridge that fosters understanding, empathy, and a deeper sense of shared humanity.

Written by: Rtn. Rhoda Dasalla, Rotary e-Club of All-Star Camanava