Philippine Congressman Rodante Marcoleta, third left, his wife, Edna third right, Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Services Interim Dean Patricia Coleman, second right, Division of Agriculture federal program coordinator Charles Aiseam, right, Coral Coast Foundation Corp. Director Eleanor Alinas, second right, and husband Maverick Rotap cut the ceremonial ribbon to launch the Sustainable Fresh Greens project in Koblerville on Thursday.
Philippine Congressman Rodante Marcoleta, right, Coral Coast Foundation Corp. Director Eleanor Alinas, left, and Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Services Dean Patricia Coleman plant coconut trees as part of the launching of the Sustainable Fresh Greens project in Koblerville on Thursday.
PHILIPPINE Congressman Rodante Marcoleta joined the newly formed Coral Coast Foundation Corp. in launching its Sustainable Fresh Greens project in Koblerville on Thursday.
Marcoleta represents the urban poor in the Philippine House of Representatives as member of the SAGIP (Social Amelioration and Genuine Intervention on Poverty) Party-List. “Sagip” is Filipino for “saved.”
Themed “Cultivating Connections and Nourishing Minds,” the project launched in Koblerville aims to advance a sustainable green initiative in the CNMI, CCFC Director Eleanor Alinas said.
A member of the Commonwealth Zoning Board and president of Kalayaan Inc. catering service, Alinas introduced Marcoleta; his wife Edna; Capas, Tarlac Mayor TJ Rodriquez; and his wife Cheryl as the event’s special guests.
Also joining the event were Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Services Interim Dean Patricia Coleman and Division of Agriculture federal program coordinator Charles Aiseam.
Alinas said CCFC is passionate about advancing a sustainable green initiative.
In a world where agricultural practices often clash with ecological balance, “we are committed to redefining how to cultivate our food, protect our planet and our islands, and nourish our communities, particularly our school-age children here in the CNMI,” she said.
Their vision is to have a healthier, more resilient future, she added. Their mission is “rooted in the principles of sustainability, the farming practices that not only yield high quality produce but also conserve resources, enhance bio-diversity and combat climate change,” she said.
Alinas acknowledged NMC-CREES as the “driving force behind our organization’s vision and mission through its very talented, tireless, fearless, passionate advocate and leader Dean Coleman.”
Alinas said NMC-CREES has been “very instrumental” in CCFC’s decision to implement a sustainable hydroponic farming system.
Alinas said CCFC fully supports the CNMI government’s push for the creation of a sustainable local food production system.
“Our organization will prioritize growing salad greens and seasonal produce that minimize transportation emissions and ensure that our community has access to fresh, nutritious foods. By supporting our local farmers and engaging with our community, we aim to foster a sense of connection and responsibility towards our food sources,” Alinas said.
She added that education is also a key component of CCFC’s mission. They plan to host workshops in conjunction with NMC-CREES and other agencies of the CNMI government. They will also conduct farm tours, hopefully as part of agri-tourism, and hold community events to share knowledge about sustainable practices, Alinas said.
They want to empower individuals and families to make informed choices, whether by starting their own home gardens or understanding the impact of their food choices, she added.
“As we launch CCFC, we invite you to join us in this journey. Together, we can cultivate a movement toward sustainability that not only feeds our body but also nurtures our island and, as a whole, our planet. Let’s grow a future where farming and nature thrive hand in hand,” Alinas said.
Marcoleta said he was in the CMI because he wanted to be associated with a “very worthwhile project.”
“The very purpose of this mission, is to be able to inspire people to grow food for our table,” he said, adding that in the Philippines, people are dealing with the high prices of basic food items.
He said agriculture is a very important component of any economy.
“You cannot achieve food sufficiency without growing your agriculture,” he added.
“I came here despite our tight schedule because this is something that is very close to our hearts. I did not want to miss this. We just witnessed a very important and worthwhile undertaking — the launching of CCFC,” Marcoleta said.
Coleman said CCFC “are exemplary trailblazers in the Mariana islands.” She said “growing the best possible food that they can give to the children in the CNMI through the lunch and breakfast program, coupled with the excellent and resilient business model of Kalayaan, is something to really celebrate.”
