Antique: The Rotary Club of Antique (Rotary International District 3850) has announced its plan to plant 3,850 fruit-bearing trees within the year as part of their initiative to ensure environmental sustainability and enhance food security within local communities. The project, titled 'Fruit Trees for Life,' marks a significant step for the club in its ongoing environmental efforts.

According to Philippines News Agency, the project is set to be officially launched on August 30 at Darling Resort in Barangay Tuno, located in the Municipality of Tibiao. Carolyn May Deslate, the past president and current treasurer of the Rotary Club of Antique, stated that the initial phase of the project will involve the planting of 300 fruit-bearing trees on a resort owned by a fellow Rotarian.

Deslate further explained that the club has secured seedlings from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, headed by Cynthia Blancia. The varieties of trees to be planted include jackfruit, lanzones, star apple, cacao, and kamagong. Additionally, club officers and members are contributing their homegrown seedlings for future tree-planting activities.

The club plans to establish a nursery to cultivate seedlings for the project. Deslate noted that this initiative marks the first time the club is focusing on planting fruit-bearing trees, having previously concentrated on endemic tree seedlings. The shift was made to provide communities with a sustainable source of food.

The trees will be planted on properties owned by fellow Rotarians, who will then assist in cultivating, growing, and maintaining the trees. This collaborative effort aims to ensure the success and longevity of the project.