Planting trees, planting good deeds

“OUR Trees, Our Lives, Our Future.”

Indeed, they are. And this very apt theme made the tree planting activity, spearheaded by the Dr. Pablo O. Torre Foundation, Inc. (DPOTFI), together with its different VSP (Volunteer, Support, Partner) groups, to work on this environmental program.

Conducted that pleasant afternoon last January 26, 2013, one hundred DPOTFI volunteers planted 250 mahogany saplings at the Camp Site of Fr. Gratian Murray AFSC Integrated School at Barangay Granada, Bacolod City.

With the supportive presence, cooperation and participation of the different sectors, VSPs all, the 250 young mahogany trees were gladly deposited in Mother Earth’s womb.

The local government councils of Barangay Granada and Barangay 5, led by village chiefs Alfredo P. Talimodao and Raymundo S. Salaveria, respectively, came in full force. Socio-civic group, like the Negros Occidental (Host) Lions Club headed by Ms. Araceli Regalado, extended helping hands. The Barangay 5 Trisikad Owners and Drivers Association led by President Epifanio Lamanosa were of much assistance.

The Bacolod Police Station 2 team was spearheaded by PO2 Lowell Jalocon, while Bacolod Police Station 5 was led by PSI Ritchie M. Gohee. Bacolod Police Station 6 group led by PCI Noel E. Polines also facilitated the activity.

The Bacolod Bureau of Fire Protection group led by SFO2 Alfred Tornilla came in to give support. Friends from DYWB Bombo Radyo Bacolod headed by Max Padparan also joined the activity. RMC–Multi-Purpose Cooperative, another VSP, was represented by Mr. Manuel Dulman. Ms. Catherine Nicavera, Facilities Manager of Riverside Medical Center, and her team shared their gifts of persons.

Ms. Jolly A. Mider, Executive Director of the Dr. Pablo O. Torre Foundation, Inc., coordinated with the different groups.

Under the Foundation’s program on taking care of the environment, the tree planting activity is a yearly gesture of commitment of the Dr. Pablo O. Torre Foundation, Inc. – Volunteers, Supporters, Partners (VSPs) to help rehabilitate and restore our forest and natural resources in Negros Occidental. According to Ms. Jing Mider, the planted mahogany trees will be taken care of by the personnel and students of the recipient school.

It is good to note that, for three years, a total of 700 trees were already planted by the Dr. Pablo O. Torre Foundation Inc. - VSP group in Barangay Granada, Bacolod City. The growth of the trees in the different areas was being monitored by the community members and the Barangay Granada Council to help ensure its 100-percent survival rate.

Established in 1991, the Dr. Pablo O.Torre Foundation Inc. (DPOTFI) is committed to continue the legacy of extraordinary passion to serve and unselfish love for fellowmen of the late Dr. Pablo O. Torre Sr.

With its flagship programs for health, education and environment, the Foundation has, for the past 21 years, conducted medical missions and community outreach programs and provided scholarships, seminars and trainings for target beneficiaries.

The VSP Project came about when individual and group volunteers, ready to share their time, talents and resources, came in. True to its tag line of “in unity, we (can) care for humanity”, the DPOTFI volunteers selflessly and willingly share and commit themselves to be of service for the monthly projects of the Foundation.

Under its Health Program, DPOTFI will embark on Operation Smile Train Project. This new initiative project of the DPOTFI will benefit indigent recipient-patients, ages 3 months to 18 years old, with cleft lip and/or palate deformities in the province of Negros Occidental.

Planting good deeds is like planting trees. What we plant, we reap. The mahogany saplings sown will turn into healthy and shady trees, ensuring timber and clean air for all of us. And when we do kindred and selfless acts, we foster brotherhood, and nurture good will among our fellowmen. Moreover, our lives have and will have more meanings.

So, if you are interested in planting trees and good deeds, join the VSP Program of the Dr. Pablo O. Torre Foundation Inc. You can call Jing Mider at 433-7331 local 3131.