100 flame tree saplings planted along Beach Road

  Years from now, a portion of Beach Road from the Morgen Building in Oleai up to the Civic Center in Susupe will be a glorious sight when 100 flame tree saplings planted by Tan Holdings executives last Tuesday mature and start to bloom.

The tree planting project, held to mark the corporation’s 40th anniversary of doing business on the islands this year, is the first of a series of initiatives of Tan Holdings, which aims to plant a total of 400 flame trees in 2012.

President and chief operating officer Jerry Tan led over 40 officials, managers, and business unit heads who volunteered their time and energy to plant the flame tree saplings.

Wearing their blue “iServe, iGiveback” anniversary vests, company executives each held a sapling or two as they made their way to the holes that had been dug out by employees of Realty Management Services and representatives of participating government agencies.

Tuesday’s event was a collaborative effort of Tan Holdings with the non-profit group Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, the Division of Environmental Quality, and Coastal Resources Management, which provided the saplings, fertilizers, and gardening tools.

In his remarks, Tan said that flame trees are among his favorite things about living on island. He said flame trees, especially during its blooming season, make Saipan beautiful and set it apart from other places, including Guam.

Citing the recently released CNMI tourism master plan, Tan said tourists come back for more of Saipan because of its remarkable natural beauty. “Our flame trees are really something that makes our destination different and better,” said Tan, adding that taking care of these fiery orange trees will also help improve the island’s economy.

Tan pointed out that the flame trees the public see today were not planted recently but took years to develop. “I feel that in order for us to continue to have the beautiful flame trees, I think it’s important that we start planting them so that years later, our next generation can enjoy what we’re enjoying today,” Tan told Saipan Tribune. “As we plant each tree, not only do we make our island more beautiful but we actually allow the community to have a healthy environment.”

Corporate consultant David M. Sablan recounted that it was a local architect, Joaquin Kaipat, who came up with the idea of planting flame trees along the island’s main thoroughfares, with Susupe as the first area to be planted with what has become one of Saipan’s distinctive features.

“I think it’s important that we continue to plant trees,” said Sablan, as he urged the public to adopt Singapore’s policy wherein for every tree that’s cut down, three more trees should be planted.

Before the start of the tree planting activity, Tan Holdings, through its charitable arm, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, presented MINA with a $500 donation as “a little token” for its valuable partnership in the company’s green endeavors.

MINA board chair Herminia Fusco, who accepted the donation, said their organization values the collaboration and support of Tan Holdings, which has numerous worthwhile projects that promote and protect the environment.

“For us to really attract more tourists to the island, we have to show our assets and one of the ways really is projecting a beautiful island-a paradise,” she said.

Fusco called on other companies to support the environment, help improve the overall quality of life in the Marianas, and make it a better place to live in.

Tan Holdings vice president Lina Dimaano, who is also a board member of MINA, reminded the public to look after the newly planted saplings, which have been marked with flags in different colors.

“This is an effort of the company but we also need the community to help out by being aware of these trees. We ask that you do not step on them or trample them so that they can grow. Help us spread the word around,” she said.