PANDA Project promotes watershed protection and sustainable livelihood

By Trisha-Marie A. Pablo

THE Rotaract Club of Naga Inc. launched the PANDA Project: Protecting Areas, Nurturing Diversity and Awareness, an environmental initiative that brought together youth leaders, civic organizations, government partners, and local farmers in a shared effort to protect watersheds and promote sustainable livelihoods. The project is headed by Rtr. Jhun Favorito.

The initiative began with the planting of 100 high-yielding seedlings in partnership with the Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) through its Urban Agroforestry Initiative to Protect Watersheds. The activity was conducted in collaboration with the Naga City Government, Rotary Club of Naga, Rotary Club of Naga Heights, Rotary Club of Naga Caceres, and JCI Nagueña.

During the welcoming remarks, Rotaract Club of Naga Inc. President Everild Gerd Pablo emphasized the need to move beyond simply discussing environmental concerns and toward taking concrete action. He highlighted the importance of shifting from environmental conversation to environmental conservation— from raising awareness about environmental issues to putting that awareness into action through initiatives that protect and restore natural resources.

Beyond environmental conservation, the initiative aims to provide additional livelihood and food opportunities for farmer beneficiaries. The high-yielding crops were planted on portions of private agricultural land voluntarily made available by farmers for watershed protection, allowing them to contribute to environmental conservation while keeping their land productive for their families.

Mr. Ariel Esteban from MNWD also shared valuable insights on environmental awareness, emphasizing the importance of caring for natural resources and protecting watersheds. His discussion reinforced the role of communities in sustaining environmental initiatives and encouraged participants to turn awareness into meaningful action.

As part of the initiative, MNWD and the farmer beneficiaries signed a Contract Agreement to strengthen their commitment to the long-term care and protection of the watershed areas. Rotaract Club of Naga Inc. President Everild Gerd Pablo signed the agreement as a witness, signifying the club’s commitment to supporting the partnership and its long-term environmental objectives. The agreement serves as an important step toward ensuring that the planted crops and protected areas are properly maintained and sustained.

The PANDA Project demonstrates that environmental protection and community development can work hand in hand. By engaging farmers as partners in watershed conservation and supporting sustainable agricultural opportunities, the initiative seeks to create benefits that extend beyond the planting activity itself.

Through collaboration among civic organizations, government agencies, and local communities, the project reinforces a simple yet meaningful message: protecting our watersheds and supporting our farmers can go hand in hand.

For the Rotaract Club of Naga Inc., the PANDA Project is part of its continuing commitment to environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and creating lasting impact through purposeful service.