The spirit of environmental stewardship once again flourished in the heart of Quezon as the Rotaract Club of Makati and the Rotaract Club of Lucena Circle jointly led Kaloob na Banahaw Year 4, held on September 20, 2025 at the Mt. Banahaw de Lucban Botanical Garden in Lucban, Quezon.
Launched in 2022, Kaloob na Banahaw is an ongoing environmental initiative dedicated to the protection, rehabilitation, and conservation of Mt. Banahaw. Over the years, it has grown into one of Pilipinas Rotaract’s most recognized projects, hailed through the GEAR Awards as one of the best environment projects in the country. The program aims to plant 3,000 Narra saplings by the end of 2030, symbolizing a long-term commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.
This year’s theme, BA-NA-HAW, captures the essence of the project’s environmental mission. “BA” or Bantay focuses on empowering Mt. Banahaw’s forest rangers. Five (5) dedicated rangers received essential protective gear including camisa de chino, cargo pants, safari hats, boots, flashlights with batteries, and first aid kits, generously sponsored by the Rotary Club of Makati. These tools will help them continue safeguarding the mountain’s ecological balance. “NA” or Narra highlights reforestation efforts with the planting of 300 Narra saplings this year, adding to the previous 900 for a total of 1,200 trees planted, bringing the project closer to its ultimate goal of 3,000 Narra trees by 2030. Meanwhile, “HAW” or Hawi signifies cleansing and renewal, as volunteers conducted cleanup activities to remind everyone that caring for Banahaw is both an environmental duty and a spiritual responsibility.
The event also featured a short yet meaningful program that included a talk by Dr. Kathreena E. Gutierrez of the Southern Luzon State University, who discussed the importance of conserving Mt. Banahaw and sustaining community-driven environmental protection. Representing the Rotaract Club of Makati were President Jover Acebuche, Past Presidents April Jan Sembrano and Ma. Elena Gana, club officers, Trina Mari Macaraeg, Glenn Clark Uson and Reggie Bontia, and club volunteers Jamaica Valeros, Justine Castillo, John Inderson Clark Gumba, and Kenneth Villamor who all exemplified unity, leadership, and the enduring Rotary spirit of Service Above Self.
The lead host clubs express their heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Club of Makati for their generosity and unwavering support for this cause. Their contribution has been instrumental in empowering local forest rangers, sustaining reforestation initiatives, and keeping the flame of environmental advocacy alive through Kaloob na Banahaw.
Since its inception, Kaloob na Banahaw has stood as a beacon of stewardship, sustainability, and collaboration. Through continuous reforestation, ranger support, and cleanup drives, the project reinforces a shared promise to protect Mt. Banahaw, a natural sanctuary, cultural treasure, and sacred symbol of life. As the journey continues, the call remains loud and clear: “Let’s Save Bundok Banahaw!”
