Caritas Tuguegarao- GREEN LUZON Project

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.

23/10/2025

IN PHOTOS:

The Cluster Leader, together with the members of the Sampaguita and General Balao clusters, commenced the harvesting of mushrooms from the eight operational mushroom houses and simultaneously initiated the second tranche harvest and field monitoring of pigmented rice.

This activity signifies the culmination of the clusters’ concerted cultivation efforts during the recent growing cycle. It highlights the members’ dedication, cooperation, and commitment to maintaining optimal production conditions, resulting in high-quality yields. The successful implementation of these harvest activities represents another milestone in the clusters’ continuous pursuit of sustainable livelihood and agricultural development. These initiatives not only promote environmentally responsible production practices but also contribute to strengthening community-based enterprises and improving household income among members.

02/10/2025

LOOK!

In a heartfelt Celebration of the Season of Creation 2025, with the theme "Peace with Creation," Caritas Tuguegarao, through its Green Luzon Project, led a meaningful tree planting activity on September 30, 2025, at ECO Healers of Mother Earth (ECOHOME), Nangalisan, Solana, Cagayan.

Far beyond planting saplings, the event became a powerful symbol of hope, healing, and harmony with nature. United in their shared commitment to care for our common home, representatives from various partner agencies—including the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Local Government of Solana, Barangay Local Governments of General Balao and Sampaguita (BLGUs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), cluster leaders, and dedicated residents of both barangays came together in solidarity and action.

Each tree stood as a living testament to our collective responsibility to protect creation for generations to come. Guided by faith and community spirit, participants renewed their commitment to nurture the Earth and strengthen the connections that bind us to one another and the environment we all call home.

29/08/2025

Courtesy Meeting with Hon. Mayor Meynard Z. Carag on the Proposed Drainage Canal Project and Green Luzon Initiatives held on August 29, 2025.

The Caritas Tuguegarao Green Luzon Project team, led by Rev. Fr. Andres Q. Semana, Jr., Diocesan Social Action Center (DSAC) Director, together with Engr. Mary Grace M. Galiza, Municipal Engineer, had a courtesy visit to Hon. Mayor Meynard Z. Carag to discuss a potential collaboration on the proposed construction of a drainage canal extending to Barangays Sampaguita and General Balao in Solana, Cagayan.

This vital infrastructure project aims to address long-standing concerns about flooding, enhance water flow and drainage systems, and improve the overall safety and climate resilience of the affected communities—particularly during the rainy season.

During the meeting, Fr. Andy also presented the four key components of the Green Luzon Project:
CSO Strengthening – Empowering civil society organizations to become active partners in governance and development.
Agriculture and Livelihood – Supporting sustainable farming practices and income-generating projects.
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) – Promoting preparedness and risk mitigation strategies in vulnerable communities.
Environmental Protection – Advocating for the conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources.

Mayor Carag expressed his support for the initiative and assured his commitment to help promote local livelihood products, particularly mushroom and pigmented rice production, which are currently being developed in various communities within Solana.

The DSAC team is grateful for the warm reception and the mayor's openness to collaboration. Together, we look forward to building sustainable, inclusive, and disaster-resilient communities in Solana and beyond.

30/07/2025

The quarterly CSO meeting, held on July 24, 2025, at the newly constructed Training Center in Sampaguita, Solana, Cagayan, was a resounding success.

It brought together key stakeholders united in their dedication to community development under Component 1: Organizational Strengthening, which aims to empower CSOs in promoting good governance and accountability.

A highlight of the gathering was the visit from our valued partners at Caritas Spain and Caritas Philippines. Their presence enriched the event, fostering a spirit of collaboration and reinforcing our shared commitment to building resilient, empowered communities. Through meaningful exchanges of insights and experiences, participants found the meeting both productive and inspiring—sparking innovative ideas and strengthening relationships.

Together, we are taking significant steps toward a more hopeful and sustainable future for the communities we serve.