In observance of its 102nd founding anniversary, the National Federation of Women’s Clubs of the Philippines (NFWC) led by its president Linda Gonzalez conducted a tree planting activity the other day at the Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center inside the La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City.
“This is a milestone project for NFWC as we observe our anniversary by planting trees and becoming a new partner of the Million Trees Foundation Inc. in our collective effort to save the watersheds that are sources of water and in our fight against climate change,” Gonzales said.
Other prominent NFWC officers present include past presidents Mary Jane Ortega and Ester Santa Ana, and officers VP Erlinda Tiu, VP Merlinda Sualibios, Lariden Honorio, Marilyn Aggabao, Maria Theresa Timbol, Fe Soriano.
In a video message, MWSS Trustee and NFWC Director Melanie Lambino cited the importance of planting trees and protecting the watersheds for water security.
For his part, MTFI president and executive director Melandrew Velasco, who served as guest speaker, lauded NFWC and its members for their continuing effort to serve God, country and home by embarking on a nationwide advocacy to plant trees for Mother Earth.
“Thank you for continuing with your mothering duties and in loving and serving our country, this time by joining the movement to plant million of trees to protect our watersheds. I am one with NFWC having published a book on Angela Valdez Ramos, mother of former President Fidel V. Ramos. Angela or Ilang Ramos was one of the leading icons and leaders for women’s right to vote in 1937 and in NFWC’s eminent role in then led by its president Josefa Llanes Escoda taking care of the Prisoners of War (POW) at Camp O’ Donnel in Capas, Tarlac during World 2,” Velasco said.
He said that staging their event at Eddie’s Barn (dedicated in honor of FVR) or otherwise known as SMC Multi Purpose Center, is serendipitous since the NFWC credo runs parallel with FVR’s 4 Ms -Makadiyos, Makatao, Makabayan at Makakalikasan.
In 2005, Velasco was commissioned by FVR to write and publish a book on Angela Valdez Ramos titled “In A Class of Her Own” which was launched at the Manila Hotel in time for the centennial celebration of the Feminist Movement in the Philippines.
To cap the NFWC event, Ylang Ylang samplings were planted at the vicinity of Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center.
For her part, NFWC Foundation President Mary Jane Ortega lauded the Million Trees Foundation for its accomplishments through the Annual Million Trees Challenge of MWSS that has so far planted more than five million trees in seven critical watersheds that provide water to Metro Manila and its environs
