MEDIUM RARE

If life is a dream, and because most trees live longer than human beings, there must be a message there somewhere from the Creator.
As a friend used to say, “Trees are more useful than some people.”

And now another friend is saying, “Donate to Gift of a Tree App” and help the planet. (Download the app from the Google Play Store.) Dr. Isa Suntay, whose Hardin ng Lunas is a living project in Capas, Tarlac, and her mom and namesake, Isabel Sr., have hit upon an ingenious way to propagate not only trees but also the idea that it’s in everyone’s interest to plant, grow, care for and spread the love of trees. Trees are our treasure, they are the past we own like antique jewels, they are the future that our children and grandchildren will inherit like a living, breathing, magical forest.  

Donors can choose from nine species, including bamboo – I chose a “pink tree” in the hope that it would be somehow related to a Japanese cherry tree and because I’ve never heard of a pink tree until now — and you can own a tree or a block of them that Isa’s team will care for, for the next four years. What better give-back to nature?

Isa is an MD but she’s a farmer, too. She grows herbs, medicinal plants, lots of trees. Tilapia swim in the river, pigs, goats, chicks roam fat and free. Occasionally, she gives these away in pairs to the soldiers in the military camp nearby. Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro was a very recent visitor. Isa has also helped the soldiers set up their own vegetable gardens so their wives can sell the produce. She also took it upon herself to introduce solar roofing to her neighbors.

People living outside Tarlac may have heard of Isa through her “Belenismo” Christmas project involving schools, parishes, business and commercial establishments, families and individuals who use recycled materials to re-create scenes of the Nativity for display throughout the season. Cash prizes in the millions fuel the passion for creativity and community pride.

More important for Isa, the people are reminded that there’s no Christmas without a “belen,” just as there is no green earth without a tree.