By CARRIE ASPA |

CASTILLEJOS, Zambales —The rains did not stop volunteers from planting trees at a prospective eco-tourism park here in Barangay Balaybay under a project organized by the Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc., the developer of a 2×300 megawatt coal-fired power plant in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Around 80 volunteers from RP Energy, Barangay Balaybay, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Subic Cawag Upland Farmers Association (SCUFA), Castillejos Resettlement High School, and the 305th Maneuver Company of the Philippine National Police participated in the Adopt-a-Forest Project held last August 24.

The effort is in line with RP Energy’s thrust of promoting environmental stewardship.

With its scenic mountain view, the adopted site is being developed by the barangay as an eco-tourism park.

“We are grateful for all the volunteers and partners supporting us in this project,” said Balaybay village chief Arturo Manzano. “We are happy to build this eco-park that will be enjoyed by everyone, especially our kids.”

Jason Gavina, corporate social responsibility officer of RP Energy, said the company’s Adopt-A-Forest Project is now on its third year and has been instrumental in planting over 1,000 trees in the area.

As recommended by experts, the program uses both fruit-bearing and endemic tree species in the area, Gavina added.

“This is not merely a tree-planting activity, but also an educational activity. We have invited experts from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Olongapo City and SCUFA to teach our volunteers the proper way of removing the plastic, handling the roots and caring for the trees.” Gavina said.