The Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District has been managing, operating and maintaining a watershed since 1996 as part of its mandate to source and distribute adequate water supply. Since 2005, the District has been embarking in tree planting activities to develop barren areas of the watershed. Over the years, these tree planting activities have been institutionalized and became part of the District’s regular activities to preserve the watershed.

In support of the greening program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the tree planting activity has evolved as tree growing program of the MTWD targeting 15,000 tree wildlings and saplings planted every year. In 2023, a total of 15,894 seedlings have been planted by the MTWD and its collaborators.

This year, the District is again targeting 15,000 trees for its tree growing program in Sisim, Peñablanca. With the enthusiastic participation of volunteer employees and employees/members of different partner agencies and organizations, this all year round initiative aims to consistently contribute to the promotion of a sustainable watershed.

As of February 25, 2024, a total of 2890 seedlings have been planted in different areas of the watershed. This was achieved thru the joint efforts of MTWD employees as well as participants from Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Cagayan State University and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Tuguegarao Branch. The seedlings planted were indigenous species like Narra and Fringon.

MTWD’s continuous tree growing initiatives stand as a testament to the power of community collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. As these saplings take root and grow, they not only signify the renewal of our forests but also embody the collective effort toward a sustainable and flourishing future, especially crucial amidst the current challenge of El Niño.