BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan --- Considered on the brink of extinction, the Balakat Tree (Zyzypus Talanai) has reached one of the most lavish and luxurious beach resorts in this famous island in the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas.

In a noble effort to preserve and propagate the said plant, an all-boys teen organization over the weekend conducted a tree planting project at the Shangri La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, situated on a lush hillside within an eco-reserve.

Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa is a spectacular resort rich with sprawling grounds and secluded beaches, a destination all on its own with an impressive variety of restaurants and leisure facilities, including a tranquil spa village.

Based on history, the town’s name Mabalacat was derived from the Balakat Tree due to its abundance in the town. Today, Balakat Trees are included in the Red List of threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

With the remarkable advocacy of the organization in protecting and preserving the environment, the Balakat Tree will surely flourish and once again do its share in mitigating the effects of climate change.