NORZAGARAY, Bulacan—An 86-year-old retired district supervisor of the Department of Education for the municipalities of Balagtas and Guiguinto remains active in tree-planting activities despite her age.

In a recent tree-planting event at the Ipo Watershed in this town, Araceli Villanueva was seen actively participating in a reforestation project aimed at preserving the major lifeline for Metro Manila’s potable water supply, which is threatened by the denudation of the Ipo Watershed’s forest cover.

Villanueva shared that she has been involved in tree-planting activities since her teaching days. Her career spanned 45 years in public schools and 20 years in private schools, totaling 65 years of service and counting.

She emphasized that her passion for reforestation remains undiminished by her age, stating that she is driven by a desire to address the flooding problems in the country, often attributed to deforestation.

Reports indicate that the Ipo Watershed has lost 70% of its 6,600-hectare forest cover, while the Angat Watershed, covering over 50,000 hectares, faces selective illegal logging. These watersheds supply over 90% of Metro Manila’s raw water, and deforestation significantly reduces their water-holding capacity.

The tree-planting activity was organized by the Guiguinto Water District in collaboration with the Norzagaray Water District, members of the Rotary Club of Guiguinto Suburbs, Rotaracts of Guiguinto, and the Guiguinto Supreme Golden Eagles Club.

Members of a Dumagat tribe from the mountainous part of Norzagaray also participated in the event.

📷 Mon Lazaro