The Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI) was recognized with the Bantayog ng Lawa award during the 55th anniversary of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) in ceremonies recently held in Quezon City.
Bantayog ng Lawa awards were given to 59 outstanding individuals and organizations that have contributed in protecting and promoting sustainable development of Laguna de Bay and surrounding areas.
Laguna de Bay is the largest lake in the country with 29 shoreland municipalities and 217 barangays surrounding the legendary lake. Its watershed area is approximately 2,920 sq. kms. Laguna de Bay is one of the beneficiaries of MTFI’s watershed rehabilitation program through reforestation.
The Bantayog ng Lawa trophy with its figurine shaped like the Laguna Lake was received by MTFI Chairman Emeritus PGen Reynaldo V. Velasco (Ret). According to Velasco, the MTFI is grateful for the award. “This is another inspiration for us in the Foundation to continue our efforts in tree-planting and tree-growing to save our critical watersheds and contribute to environment protection.” MTFI targets to plant 15 million trees more in 2030.
Among those present in the event were DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Atty. Marius P. Corpus, Chairperson of the Government Commission for GOCCs, Vice Governor Reynaldo H. San Juan, Jr. of Rizal, and Dr. RodaValenzuela, department head of the Provincial government Environment and Natural Resource Office of Laguna and LLDA officials led by Acting General Manager Atty. Senando A. Santiago.
In her speech, Secretary Loyzaga said that aside from provided pathway and the resources for socio-economic development, the lake has a role in defining our culture as a nation. She thanked the awardees and stakeholders for “the environmental initiatives and for providing sustainable and innovative solutions for the development and economic growth of multiple regions, not just one.”
Meanwhile, Corpus exhorted the audience to consider the future and the legacy for the younger generation. “Act now protect our lake, save our future. Indeed, the challenges we face require not just policies but passion and partnership among the various stakeholders, both public and private,” he added.
