Other organizations showed their support for the success of the tree-planting:
- Monde Nissin
- Luntiang Republika
- Federation of People’s Sustainable Development Cooperative
- Haribon Foundation
- Güd is Better
- Lime Tree Farm
- Nut ‘N Else
- MFI Polytechnic Institute, Inc.
- National Historical Commission of the Philippines
- Peter Paul
- Soyuz Foods, International
- Vegetari
- Pinagdanlayan MPC
- Cruz Agricultural Biosystems Services
- Kakaw Galleon
- Monfort Foundation
- Trees for Life Foundation
Participants successfully planted over 300 trees, including coconut, tamarind, guava, and various other fruit-bearing and native species, in a significant effort to connect the agricultural legacies of the past with future sustainability.
Webinar on Agricultural Sustainability
After the tree-planting session, attendees participated in a webinar focused on sustainable farming practices. The resource persons for the session included:
- Rita Macabuhay, Manager of MFI Polytechnic Institute, Inc., who discussed the critical role of small-scale farming in rural development and food security.
- Eduardo B. Cleofe, Owner of Luntiang Republika Ecofarms, who gave a virtual tour of his ecofarm, showcasing eco-friendly operations.
- Dr. Rico Cruz, Main Consultant at Cruz Agricultural Services and Balik Scientist for DOST-PCAARRD, who presented on the coconut as “The Plant of Life and Energy” and its significance in the agricultural industry.
- Ramon L. Rivera, President of the Philippine Association for Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology, who emphasized the role of efficient breeding programs in enhancing coconut production through germplasm management.
Looking Ahead
The Day of the Galleon event seeks to forge connections between committed farmer suppliers of select crop varieties resilient enough to withstand over twenty strong typhoons annually and dedicated consumer buyers seeking natural flavors.
Emma C. Asusano, Director of the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development at DTI, pledged to support organized farmers in acquiring essential machinery and equipment to modernize Philippine agriculture.
Participants pose for a group photo, prior to the tree planting. (Left to right: Embassy of Mexico Economic & Cultural Affairs Marcos Octavio Vara Jacobo, Embassy of Malaysia Trade Attaché Intan Zalani, Leonarda R. Tulao, Melvin Joves of DTI-BSMED, MSF and PACPI President Clara R.Lapus,, VCOP- ED & PACPI-VP Agnes Cristobal, and extreme right-DOT-Promotion Rep.Haneef Arsad )
Participants, Brgy.rep and ASI reps pose for a photo at the Brgy. Suclaban Covered Courts after the tree planting. (From left to right: Adolfo Reyes, ASI Prof. Dennis Batoy (ASI) and students from Myanmar and Vietnam,(6th) Brgy. Suclaban Kap Danilo Miranda.
Participants plant seedlings in the Mama Sita’s Experimental Farms in Purok 3, Brgy. Suclaban, Mexico, Pampanga. Over 300 seedlings were planted last October 8, 2024.
Chef Sau del Rosario provided refreshments and snacks to guests at the event. Food included Calabantian Tamales, Bringhe, Chicken Tocino Pandesal, and Shrimp and Vegetable Okoy.
Members of Soroptimist International of Mandaluyong with Malaysian Attache Intan Zalani
Rep. from Sta Clara Power Corp and Morong Power & Water Corp.
Chef Jonas Ng and wife Miles Poblete of James and Daughters
Rep. from Morong Power & Water Corp., Rep from the Federation of Peoples’ Sustainable Development Cooperative (FPSDC)
Pres. Clara R. Lapus with GMA Integrated News
Malaysian Embassy Intan Zalani DTI Dir. Bureau of Small and Medium Ent. Emma Asusano
Representative from the NHCP, Mexican Economic & Cultural Affairs Chief Marcos Octavio Vara Jacobo,
MSF President Clara R. Lapus with DOT Representative Haneef Arsad