IN response to the aftermath of Typhoon “Carina,” the Ilocos Norte-based Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) leadership led the university community in environmental rehabilitation efforts through its annual university tree-planting activity.
MMSU President Shirley Agrupis said the initiative underscores the university’s commitment to “environmental sustainability and creating a greener future by enhancing microclimate zones on university campuses.”
“Leadership is not complete without sacrifice,” said Agrupis during the tree-planting activity despite the inclement weather, which coincided with her 60th birthday. She added that the transformation of their campuses into “green havens” is meant to “set a precedent on how educational institutions can lead in climate action and contribute to ecological resilience.”
MMSU President Shirley Agrupis leads the university in the annual tree-planting activity. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
This year’s focus was on rehabilitating the MMSU peripheral road along the west section of the university’s Coordinated Agribusiness, Research and Extension System, or MMSU Cares Farm, with native fruit-bearing trees. About 60 kamagong (Diospyros philippinensis) trees (also known under many vernacular names such as Mabolo) were planted.
According to Jesslyn Keith Valite of the MMSU Strategic Communication Office, the event was organized by the university’s College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD). Former MMSU president Santiago Obien, administrative council members, office chiefs, faculty members, staff and selected students also participated in the event.
Last month, the MMSU Bachelor of Science in Forestry seniors conducted pre-graduation tree planting and demonstrated their strong commitment to environmental stewardship at the Salinged Park. They planted various tree species including Cynometra ramiflora (balitbitan), Calophyllum inophyllum (bitaog), Cassia javanica (pink shower) and Lagerstroemia speciosa (banaba).
The effort also aimed to “replenish trees and restore degraded areas affected by the dry season, encouraging the graduating class to actively contribute to the university’s environmental sustainability before completing their college journey.” Tree planting was also meant to enhance the health and wellness of their campus.
Dean Charlie Batin, CAFSD officer in charge, led the students in the initiative, which involved enriching the ecological park through a tree-planting campaign.
MMSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Prima Franco, PhD, and National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center Director Bjorn Santos, PhD, spoke of the significance of leaving a lasting environmental legacy for the university. CAFSD Campus Executive Director Joselito Rosario also joined.
Organized by the CAFSD Department of Forestry and Junior Forester Association, this collaborative event builds upon previous initiatives like the planting of 150 flowering and fruit-bearing seeds in August 2023.
Be the first to comment