Caritas Tuguegarao- GREEN LUZON Project

27/07/2026

IN PHOTOS:

The DSAC Green Luzon Team conducted a Community Orientation on the No Burning of Agricultural Waste in partnership with a representative from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), BLGUs and the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of Barangays Sampaguita and General Balao. The activity was held on July 24, 2026, at the Green Luzon Training Center.

Together, we stand united in ending the burning of agricultural waste. By transforming farm residues into compost, mulch, and other life-giving resources, we protect our children's health, enrich our soil, and help build a more sustainable future.

This is bayanihan in action—a shared commitment to care for creation through faith, community, and responsible stewardship. Every small step we take today nurtures a greener, healthier tomorrow for generations to come.

21/07/2026

On July 17, 2026, The Green Luzon Project, in partnership with LGU Solana, spearheaded a community-wide initiative on solid waste management—mobilizing the CSO’s of barangays General Balao and Samapaguita to take concrete steps toward a cleaner environment.

Through collective action and shared responsibility, Solana strengthens its commitment to ecological stewardship and builds a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

22/06/2026

The DSAC Tuguegarao team conducted the Validation and Finalization of the Sectoral Agenda on June 18-19, 2026 at Green Luzon Training Center, Sampaguita, Solana, Cagayan. The cooperatives of Sampaguita and General Balao came together in a spirit of solidarity to finalize their sectoral agenda.

This milestone assembly underscored their collective resolve to strengthen cooperative principles, advance sustainable agriculture, and uphold the welfare of their members and communities.

Through dialogue and shared vision, the cooperatives affirmed their role as vital partners in promoting justice, ecological stewardship, and inclusive development in the region.

25/04/2026

In celebration of Earth Day, a successful tree planting activity was conducted on April 24, 2026, at Eco Home Nangalisan, Solana, Cagayan, as part of the Green Luzon Project initiative under Component 4. Environmental Protection headed by the DSAC Director Rev. Fr. Andres Q. Semana, Jr.

The activity gathered various partner agencies and stakeholders, including the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Tourism Office, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), civil society organizations (CSOs), members of the local community, and youth from the Our Lady of Snows Parish.

The event aimed to promote environmental awareness and action, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in addressing climate change, enhancing climate resilience, and advancing sustainable development within the community.
Participants actively took part in planting trees, demonstrating strong commitment and cooperation toward environmental protection and the preservation of natural resources for future generations.

This initiative underscores the continued collaboration among stakeholders in fostering a greener and more sustainable environment.

Together, we nurture nature for a sustainable future.

27/03/2026

The Green Luzon program has already demonstrated significant impact in Solana through ecological renewal, community empowerment, and sustainable livelihood initiatives.

The Green Luzon seeks to affirm the Municipality’s continued legislative support and to authorize the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) with Green Luzon partners held on March 25, 2026 at LGU Legislative Office.

The MOU will formalize this collaboration, ensuring transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability of the program. By signing the MOU, Solana strengthens its leadership in ecological stewardship and secures a legacy of resilience and solidarity for future generations.

17/02/2026

As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental protection and community safety, we have successfully implemented mitigation measures for the drainage canals in Barangay Sampaguita and General Balao through the Green Luzon Project.

This initiative focuses on improving water flow capacity, clearing obstructions, and strengthening canal structures to minimize the risk of flooding, particularly during heavy rains. By fostering collaborative efforts and proactive planning, the project contributes to cleaner surroundings, better sanitation, and increased resilience for the community.

With the support of the Green Luzon Project, we are moving closer to building safer, greener, and more sustainable barangays for everyone.

20/12/2025

19/12/2025

IN PHOTOS: The Caritas Tuguegarao Green Luzon Project, formally turned over its production facilities to partner Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), which includes the Rang-Ay Mannalon Association, the Senior Citizen Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, the Small Water Irrigators System Association, and the Sampaguita Farmers Water Pump Irrigation Cooperative. This marks a significant milestone in the project's commitment to sustainability and community empowerment under Component 2: A2.1.2, which focuses on organic farming learning farms held on December 15, 2025 at Sampaguita, Solana, Cagayan.

This turnover allows the CSOs to take full responsibility for the ongoing operation and management of the mushroom production and pigmented rice production facilities. By enabling this transition, the project ensures that local organizations are adequately equipped to sustain livelihood opportunities, enhance food security, and promote environmentally sound agricultural practices.

This initiative underscores the shared commitment of the Green Luzon Project and its partners to inclusive development, capacity building, and the long-term economic resilience of local communities. The four Civil Society Organizations express their heartfelt gratitude for being selected as beneficiaries of this initiative and for the opportunities they have received from the beginning and continue to receive. They are committed to putting forth their best efforts to support the project until its completion. The Green Luzon Project inspires them to be driven and continuously improve as organizations.

Hon. Vice Mayor Jennalyn P. Carag from the Municipality of Solana expressed her gratitude and congratulations to the implementers, funders, leaders, and community members involved in the Caritas Tuguegarao Green Luzon Project. Out of the 17 barangays in Solana, two were selected as beneficiaries. These barangays will engage in two enterprises: mushroom and pigmented rice production.

Hon. Vice Mayor Carag emphasized that this initiative represents not only a sustainable endeavor but also the formation of strong partnerships within the community. With the Provincial Director Hon. Mary Ann Corpuz-Dy highlighted their support and interventions aimed at strengthening the organizations involved in this project. She also extended her gratitude and congratulations to the Local Government Unit of Solana, including Municipal Vice Mayor Jennalyn P. Carag, Sangguniang Bayan Members Atty. Rhea Llamelo Carag and Angelina Fernandez, as well as the Barangay Captains of the two communities, the Civil Society Organizations, and all involved leaders and members, particularly the implementers and funders, for bringing this valuable project to the communities.

Mr. Virgilio A. Baylon, Project Officer of Caritas Philippines, highlights that this event goes beyond a simple turnover ceremony for facilities and resources; it represents a renewed commitment to sustainable development, community empowerment, and service to the people.

And also, on behalf of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, Rev. Fr. Andres Q. Semana, extends his heartfelt gratitude to the Local Government Unit of Solana, led by Hon. Mayor Meynard Z. Carag, along with Vice Mayor Jennalyn P. Carag and the members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB), for their unwavering support of the project to date. This moment is significant for the continued success of the initiative, especially for the Civil Society Organizations, leaders, and members of the two barangays- General Balao and Sampaguita. May this turnover inspire ongoing collaboration and service for the betterment of the community.

10/12/2025

IN PHOTOS: In support of environmental sustainability and local economic development, a collaborative bamboo planting activity under component 2 of the Green Luzon Project was successfully held at Eco Home in Nangalisan, Solana, Cagayan.

This initiative was conducted by the Caritas Tuguegarao Green Luzon Project team headed by the DSAC Director- Rev. Fr. Andres Q.Semana Jr. in collaboration with the two communities - Barangay General Balao and Barangay Sampaguita, Civil Society Organizations, Cluster leaders and members together with Municipal Environment and Natural Resources (MENRO) and Department is Trade and Industry.

The program commenced with a prayer of creation/blessing lead by Rev. Fr. Andres Q. Semana, Jr. emphasizing the ecological benefits of bamboo, particularly in slope stabilization, soil erosion control and flood mitigation. This initiative was also for the Eco Home to be developed as an Eco tourism, for protection on environment including bamboo propagation.

Followed with the rationale of the activity, the significance and importance of planting bamboo. Underscored that today’s planting efforts are also investments in future livelihood and opportunities.
CSO leaders and members expressed their appreciation for the collaborative initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting environmental programs. They conveyed their enthusiasm, recognizing the long term benefits the project the project will bring.

After the program, participants proceeded to the designated planting areas within Eco Home. Proper spacing and planting techniques were demonstrated to ensure high survival rates of the bamboo seedlings. Representatives from MENRO and DTI, CSOS, leaders and members worked together, symbolizing unity and shared purpose.

02/12/2025

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Cagayan–Batanes conducted an on-site assessment with the Sampaguita Senior Citizen Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, led by CSO Chairman Romeo Carpio.

The visit aimed to evaluate the cooperative’s request for a solar-powered water system to support irrigation needs in their rice fields.

This visit marks an important step toward strengthening agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable irrigation solutions, and supporting the livelihood of senior citizen farmers in the community.