Text by Ma Isabela AC Agawin | Photos by Chelsea Dana Rapanot
Xavier University took part in the mangrove planting activity of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in collaboration with the Cagayan de Oro City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) at Zone 8, Bulua on May 9, Saturday.
Over 5,000 mangrove propagules were prepared and transplanted for the activity; in which 300 seedlings were allotted for the XU community.
“I really feel happy about the program and the activity. It’s good to give back to the environment what we have received from the environment,” said Br Noel Cantago, XU vice president for administration.
XU pollution control officer Joel Francisco added, “We have increased the awareness and the feeling of stewardship among us, especially for the marine environment.”
Among those who participated from XU were representatives from Physical Plant Office (PPO), Central Student Government (CSG), Council of Nursing Students (CONUS), Center for Integrated Technologies Student Council (CITSC), United Arts and Sciences Student Council (UNITASS), Association of the College of Engineering Students (ACES) and faculty members from the Marine Biology department.
The students found the activity to be “fulfilling and refreshing.”
“It’s a great way to participate and engage ourselves in these activities. You are planting something and you are looking forward to its growth, “said CSG president Joseph Roldan Tagalog.
“It’s a symbolism that you are planting something for the community; it’s something you have contributed,” he added.
Different organizations and academic institutions also participated in the activity which forms part of the National Ocean Month celebration.
“It’s great to be part of this activity,” said A2C Jose Manuel Sanchez of PAF in Filipino.
“We will continue to help out in activities that are good for the environment, like coastal cleanup and tree-planting, not just being soldiers or part of the air force.
After the said activity, XU-PPO is proposing a month-long celebration for the environment with activities related to tree and mangrove planting in July.
