As part of the XU Lands Office’s main goal of protecting the environment, the office partnered with XU’s National Service Training Program (NSTP) and its students to conduct a series of tree planting activities so that students can learn every aspect of tree planting and care, from picking a species to putting it in the ground and everything in between, and it eventually becomes second nature to them. Ultimately, the activity aimed to prevent flooding and soil erosion, and to have a sustainable and healthy ecosystem, especially as human intervention has caused extensive destruction in many ecosystems. It is very important for us to take care of and protect our environment, so that we can enjoy the beauty and continue to live on this planet in a healthy and safe atmosphere.
The first batch of students together with NSTP formators and XU Lands Personnel conducted the tree planting activity in Sumilao, Bukidnon.
The first batch, composed of 94 students went to Sumilao, Bukidnon last October 15, 2022 (Saturday), accompanied by NSTP formators Ms Danikka Fabela, Mr Gaspar Calunia, and Ms Norinyl Jumalon and XU Lands Personnel Mr James Borcillo. The group arrived at XU property in Sumilao at around 9 o’clock in the morning. The students enjoyed the view and some of them took selfies as their remembrance in the place. Then, they grabbed a couple of shovels and started digging. Each student planted 2 kinds of species of native trees as a way to improve the environment by reducing carbon emissions and also to prevent flooding and landslides. Students enjoyed getting dirty in the gound and taking some stress out with the very small shovel. This experience taught students how to plant trees properly and how to make a difference in protecting our environment. Seeing the tree successfully in the ground and knowing that it will grow tall like the others surrounding it is the ultimate highlight of their experience.
Students enjoyed the experience of planting trees together and making a difference for the environment.
The tree planting activity serves as a form of environmental activism to make the students aware of how important it is to plant more trees to protect our environment. It is also gives an extraordinary experience to our NSTP students and their formators were able to see their joy in doing something for the environment. Other batches will follow with their tree planting activities in XU property in Sumilao and Lumbia in the following weeks of October.
The activity aims to prevent flooding and soil erosion, and to have a sustainable and healthy ecosystem.