Bacao Reforestation

BRIEF HISTORY

To respond to the challenge of the catholic social teaching on care and stewardship of creation, the Diocese of Cabanatuan embarked on an important mission of preserving and developing the denuded mountains of Sierra Madre through reforestation. The ecological undertaking, Bacao Reforestation Project, was put up in 1992 to reforest 1, 000 hectares within the Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation area in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

In 2010, Under the stewardhip of the Director For Ecological Concern, Rev. Fr. Jacinto "Chito" L. Beltran, They planned and implemented strategic steps towards the realization of the diocesean vision, which counts ecology as one of the eight (8) major areas of concern. Through the help of the clergy, religious and laity, they were able to reforest more than 130 hectares and developed Sitio Bacao into an ecological and spiritual center in the Diocese.

In Less than a year, a multi-purpose hall was constructed where different groups hold seminars, retreats and conferences in communion with God and Nature. This became a fund-generating facility in order to sustain the apostolate and a venue not only for Catholic school students and youth ministers but also to partners from local and international NGO's, as well. However, Typhoon Santi last October, 2013 affected the area and destroyed the hall completely.

The new and strongly-built hall is nearing its completion with the help of all the generous students, parishioners, civic, government and private organizations and numerous benefactors who wholehearted gave their spiritual and financial assistance to make this a reality.

BULWAGAN NG MGA KATUTUBO SA PILIPINAS

VISION:
To be a venue and vehicle of transformation towards others' (tribal groups residing in the area and laity) well-being and welfare thereby developing communities of people who love and nurture nature and all God's creations.

MISSION:

*To be happy and be a blessing to others especially our brethren in the area who most need our care and assistance.
*To be an agent of change in their lives by Building communities of technically-equipped people for their livelihood and for future generation.
*To be a vanue for eco-tourism, reforestation, ecological classroom and poverty alleviation programs of the Public and Private partners where our tribal brethren will be the beneficiaries.

ADVOCACIES
*Love and care for God-given creatures.
*Preserve tribal cultures and uphold faith and Christian beliefs by helping the less fortunate.
*Be a blessing to others by developing to others by developing communities and assist in poverty alleviation in the countryside.