Multi-stakeholder Tree Planting Activity Planned
LPU-Cavite is formalizing a partnership initiative with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Province of Cavite in connection with the University's participation in the government's National Greening Program (NGP).
On July 5, 2011, Mr. Mark M. Javier, Head of the Student Affairs Office (SAO), Ms. Evangeline G. Aviñante, Head of the Guidance and Testing Center (GTC) and Community Outreach and Service Learning (COSeL), and Ms. Melinda L. Nomananap, Coordinator of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) met up with the representatives of the DENR at Camp Riego de Dios in Tanza, Cavite for an ocular inspection of the tree planting sites inside the camp. Col. Romeo Cabanalan of the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) showed the various sites suitable for the planned tree planting activity. He also presented samples of seedling that can be used. At present, LPU-Cavite and the Army Reserve Command have a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), respectively, with DENR Cavite.
An Advocacy Seminar by DENR representatives was held at the LPU-Cavite's Audio Visual Theater last August 4, 2011, 10:00-12:00 AM. This will be followed by the actual tree planting activity on August 17 and 18, 2011. Volunteer students and employees of the University are expected to take part in the activity. (Mark M. Javier)
COSeL Mobilizing Stakeholders to Help Realize 1.5 Billion Trees
In support of the National Greening Program (NGP), and to advance LPU-Cavite's community extension agenda, the Community Outreach and Service Learning (COSeL), in coordination with the National Service Training Program (NSTP) and Student Affairs Office (SAO), pushed through with the NGP-focused advocacy seminar themed “Sustainable Tree Growing.” Held on August 4, 2011, this initiative has been undertaken specifically for LPU-Cavite stakeholders in partnership with the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR). It may have been modest in scope, but viewed in the context of the goal to realize 1.5 billion trees throughout the country, the activity has undoubtedly made a big impact.
NGP has been gaining support and momentum soon after it was promulgated by virtue of Executive Order No. 26, signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on February 24, 2011. The program reaffirms the sta te policy "to pursue sustainable development for poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation."
Knowledgeable resource persons from DENR took turns in revisiting core concepts of the program, and str essed their value and relevance. Mr. Reynaldo Belen, Chief of the Forest Management Service, expounded on the Greening concept and the importance of vegetation. This was complemented by another session presented by Ms. Judaline Fabro, Information Officer, who explained the concept of green living by way of the topic '101 Ways for a Greener Lifestyle'.
NSTP students, volunteer faculty members, non-teaching staff and administrators came out to participate in the advocacy seminar, fully aware of its relevance to LPU's vision and mission as well as the achievement of sustainable human development, and economic and ecological security. It is worth noting that the greening program is not only about tree planting; it emphasizes the more important need of growing and nurturing vegetation, especially as they impact other key concerns including clean water supply, fresh air, reduced erosion, and environmental productivity. This means that a supportive value system and a culture for the environment are necessary conditions to ensure sustainability of the program.
The noble intentions of the greening program are attainable through our integrated efforts and a common concern for the environment and the humanity. With these, we can claim that we are truly contributing to the realization of the 1.5 billion trees. (Janella M. Cotoner, Guidance Counselor)