A Morning of Meaning Beneath the Canopy 🌤️🌱
As the golden rays of dawn broke over the lush mountains of Barangay Montible, hundreds of volunteers — government workers, students, civic groups, and environmental advocates — stood united in purpose. Among them were the spirited team members of Petrosphere Incorporated, joining the city’s biggest environmental tradition: Pista Y Ang Cagueban. With shovels in hand and hope in their hearts, they set out to make a difference — one tree at a time.
This year’s event took place on June 28, 2025 (Saturday), at Km 28, Barangay Montible, Puerto Princesa City, gathering thousands of participants from across the community. Among the attendees were Petrosphere employees, the Puerto Princesa City Government, civic groups, NGOs, students, and local communities — all working side by side to plant native and indigenous species including Narra, Balayong, and Mahogany.
Honoring a Legacy of Forest Protection
Since its humble beginnings in 1991, Pista Y Ang Cagueban (Cuyuno for Pista ng Kagubatan) has grown into a powerful movement — deeply rooted in Puerto Princesa’s identity as the “City in a Forest.” What started as a small initiative by the PIADPO is now a city-wide festival of environmental advocacy, thanks to the vision of the late Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn, who transformed it into a celebration of life, nature, and community.
Now in its 34th year, the 2025 edition of the Pista continues to inspire all generations to protect Palawan’s verdant heritage. With more than 2 million trees planted and over 200 hectares reforested over the years, this annual event stands as a living testimony to what collective action can achieve.
A Celebration of Action and Unity
Held at the scenic Km 28, Barangay Montible, this year’s Pista Y Ang Cagueban featured a vibrant blend of tree planting, local performances, and community festivities. Participants, including Petrosphere employees, eagerly planted thousands of native tree seedlings like Narra, Balayong, and Mahogany — species chosen for their importance in restoring degraded forestlands and recharging vital watersheds.
This year’s planting was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Puerto Princesa City Government, civic groups, NGOs, students, local communities, and stakeholders including Petrosphere Incorporated, all working together under the theme of reforestation and climate resilience.
But the event was not just about planting trees — it was about planting hope. From the lively drum beats echoing through the forest, to spontaneous games and shared laughter under the canopy, the Pista became a true celebration of environmental commitment and unity.
Voices of Purpose
“Joining the Pista is our way of giving back to nature and to the community we call home,” shared Arch. Kent N. Janaban, CEO of Petrosphere. “It’s not just about trees — it’s about protecting our future and empowering our people to be part of something meaningful.”
Other Petrosphere employees echoed the sentiment, calling the experience “life-affirming,” “inspiring,” and “a breath of fresh air — literally and figuratively.”
Sustainability at the Heart of Petrosphere
This participation forms a proud extension of Petrosphere’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, perfectly aligned with the company’s 2025 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes environmental stewardship, community engagement, and sustainable development. By joining programs like Pista Y Ang Cagueban, Petrosphere continues to work toward its goal of reducing environmental impact and nurturing greener, more resilient ecosystems across Palawan.
A Greener Future Starts Today
As the last sapling was nestled into the soil, a collective sense of pride and promise filled the air. The forest may take decades to grow — but the commitment to care starts now. Petrosphere is honored to be part of this enduring legacy and invites other organizations to join the green movement for generations to come.
“Tanum kagubatan, tanum kabuhi.” (Plant a forest, plant life.)
