The Tarlac Heritage Foundation, in partnership with the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division of the Philippine Army, proudly presents the Harvest Festival under the banner of Water is Life: Agri-Reforestration.
Led by its esteemed founders, Doña Isabel Cojuangco Suntay and Ms. Isa Cojuangco Suntay, the Tarlac Heritage Foundation remains at the forefront of championing ecological restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable food security across communities in the country.
Launched on January 20, 2025, this collaborative initiative celebrates a shared commitment between the Southern Luzon Command, the 2nd Infantry Division, and the Armor (Pambato) Division of the Philippine Army and the Tarlac Heritage Foundation. The Harvest Festival is a testament to the unified advocacy for environmental protection, food sustainability, community awareness, and healthy living, particularly for the officers, enlisted personnel, civilian human resources, and dependents of the 2ID.
“We are very happy that we are now harvesting the fruits of our labor, the fruits of our advocacies,” shared Ms. Isa Cojuanco Suntay. “We hope for more of these activities to push through as we continue to expand our project, the Water is Life: AgriReforestation, nationwide.”
Following its launch at Camp Mateo Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal, the Water is Life: AgriReforestation saw the continued cultivation of a wide variety of vegetables within the Hardin ng Lunas at the 2ID Headquarters. The produce from seedlings planted includes around 400 pieces of Old Talong, 550 pieces of New Talong, 100 pieces of Upo, 400 pieces of Sitaw, 150 pieces of Okra, 150 pieces of Pipino, 50 pieces papaya, 40 pieces patola, 100 pieces of Sili, 18 pieces of ampalaya, 200 pieces of pechay, 300 pieces of kangkong, 45 pieces of kalamansi, and an additional 100 pieces of Giant Bamboo in the hardwood trees’ area.
This effort underscores the project’s vision of ensuring food security through consistent vegetable and fruit supply while fostering sustainability by engaging not just military units but also local communities, former rebels, and CAFGUs working hand in hand.
At its core, the Water is Life: Agri-Reforestation project places environmental stewardship as its highest priority. The continued planting of native hardwood trees and bamboo aims to rebuild ecosystems, enrich biodiversity, and protect watersheds.
Most importantly, this initiative also promotes inclusive community participation, involving youth, students, women, indigenous peoples, farmers, and senior citizens. Through vegetable farming, tree planting, and animal husbandry, the project empowers local caretakers with sustainable livelihoods while contributing to a greener, healthier future for all.
