On Sunday, August 10, before the first light of day, the Rotary Club of Makati team set out for the UPLB Land Grant in Siniloan, Laguna—a journey for a greener future through the “Adopt a Hectare” program, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños – College of Forestry and Natural Resources. Led by President Eddie Galvez and First Ann Trina Galvez, the group included President Nominee and Director Chris Ferareza, Director CB Rivilla with Meg Rivilla and their son Mari, Rotarians Aaron Virata Mempin and Yaron Hahami, and members of the Rotaract Club of Makati and some volunteers. Upon arrival, everyone gathered for a short but meaningful program. President Eddie spoke on the importance of strong partnerships in making projects possible. Dean Marlo Mendoza thanked the Club for its continued support, and UP Land Grant Manager Rey Lorida shared guidance for the hike ahead. That morning also marked a milestone—signing of another Memorandum of Agreement to support four more hectares of land, bringing the Club’s total to eight hectares since last Rotary year. A check worth ₱460,000 was turned over to fund this reforestation effort. With the formalities done, the group embarked on a five-kilometer trek—two hours on foot—through lush and rugged terrain to reach the exact site sponsored by the Club. The hike proved challenging, especially for the not-so-young members, but it was made lighter by shared laughter, lively conversations, and the camaraderie that made every step enjoyable—and all the more fulfilling, knowing it was being done for the environment. Around 200 seedlings were prepared for planting that day. Dean Marlo personally demonstrated proper planting methods to ensure these endemic trees grow strong and thrive—benefiting both the environment and future BS Forestry students. The project aims to establish tree plantations in the Industrial Tree Plantation Zone, where proceeds from future harvests will fund scholarships for deserving forestry students, while also securing resources for replanting to keep the cycle going. Additional trees will be planted in September, taking advantage of the rainy season, which continues until February. One trek, hundreds of seedlings, countless futures nurtured—Rotary Club of Makati’s commitment to people and planet grows stronger every year.
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