In support of the country’s National Greening Program and the University’s thrust on environmental protection, XU’s National Service Training Program held a tree planting activity with nearly 2,000 NSTP students from Xavier and Lourdes College and 2,984 trees planted.

The activity on Sept 28 was done in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR 10) and the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO).  It involved 10 barangays, namely Balubal, Tablon, FS Catanico, Cugman, Gusa, Lapasan, Camaman-an, Indahag, Macasandig and Nazareth. The barangays were chosen based on their vulnerability to floods.
Prior to the planting of the seedlings, the participants were first oriented by DENR personnel on the proper way to plant. A tree blessing was also carried out before the actual tree planting activity.  The students planted cherry blossom and golden shower seedlings.

“Tree growing is a major activity of the NSTP,” said Dennise Gonzales, NSTP Director. “It does not only improve our environment but lessens energy costs, enhances quality of life, improves our health and helps fight global warming.”

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