GUAGUA, Pampanga -- Heavy monsoon rains did not dampen the spirits of Rotarians under Cluster 4-A as they led a tree planting event at the west lateral portion of the FVR Megadike here, prompting Mayor Dante Torres to commend the group for their dedication to civic service.
Torres joined the various Rotarians from the different Rotary Clubs under District 4-A in the tree planting event that was held yesterday despite intermittent rains. Torres said that the tree planting would greatly help in their campaign to turn portions of the dike here into en ecopark.
Torres is capitalizing on the area that is already a frequent destination for bikers from all over Pampanga after certain sections of dike roads have been paved by the Department of Public Works and Highways.
The area will also be promoted as the next pilgrimage destination in Pampanga during the Lenten season, as the municipal government had finished the construction of life-size murals of the traditional Stations of the Cross depicting the passion and death of Jesus Christ in the area located near the old Paglabuan River.
The area is the former site of the once strong Paglabuan River that shrunk into a meager creek after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Lahar silted and covered the once vast area of the river. It is in this area where the Guagua section of the Megadike was constructed.
Torres said the Rotary Clubs of District 4-A have contributed a lot in their effort to make the area into a greener zone.
After the tree planting, the groups proceeded to Sta. Ursula Elementary School for a feeding program. Dozens of pupils benefited from the event.