NPC-Caliraya Lumot Watershed Are Team (CLWAT) hosted a Net Zero Challenge (NZC) Tree Nurturing event with Climate Change Commission (CCC) as part of the celebration of  the 17^th CCC Week in the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed Forest Reserve (CLWFR) in Paete, Laguna. With this year’s theme, “Aksyon at Adaptasyon ng Makabagong Henerasyon,” the event emphasized the vital role of the next generation in driving climate action and adaptation.

This event marked the 3rd tree nurturing activity under the NZC, with participants planting 600 seedlings on November 22 alone. Across all NZC activities to date, a total of 1,800 seedlings have been nurtured, contributing to the long-term goal of rehabilitating open and denuded upland forests within the watershed.

CCC Deputy Executive Director Asec. Rommel Antonio Cuenca, Paete Municipal Mayor Hon. Roland Cosico, Chief Melvin Lalican Sr. of PENRO Laguna, Mr. Zaldy Ybardolaza II of Provincial Government of Laguna, and Ms. Angel Francisco of Ayala ACEN Corporation, graced the event with their presence and expressed their strong support for this important initiative.

Forester Karl Benz Montesines of the CLWAT, delivered a message of support, emphasizing NPC’s commitment to both energy solutions and environmental sustainability. He highlighted the importance of the NPC-CCC partnership in advancing a Net Zero future, where reforestation and tree nurturing efforts are key to long-term environmental stability. For. Gian May Calabano and Forest Guard Jerry Oarde provided an orientation on proper planting techniques, ensuring the seedlings have the best chance of survival and growth.

Net Zero is the goal of cutting carbon emissions to a level where the remaining emissions are balanced by natural absorption or other methods of carbon removal, resulting in no additional carbon in the atmosphere. Through collective efforts, we move closer to a greener, more sustainable future for our communities and our planet.