By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

Far Eastern University (FEU) stakeholders planted trees in observance of Philippine Arbor Day to progress the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at La Mesa Watershed Reservation in Quezon City yesterday, June 25.

In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), ‘Tamaraw Tree Planting’ was spearheaded by the National Service Training Program and Community Relations (NSTP & COMREL) Office to raise environmental awareness.

DENR Admin Aide Cornelio Tablante estimated over 300 narra trees planted by the participants.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, the University's National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC) Director Atty. Rosalie Cada mentioned their emphasis on striving for SDGs.

"Kita naman na the stakeholders care for the environment and ang focus natin talaga is [the] SDGs. This is one of the ways na nakikita natin na talagang [the] FEU community cares for the Earth (We can see that the stakeholders care for the environment and our focus is really the SDGs. This is one of the ways we can see that the FEU community cares for the Earth)," she emphasized.

NSTP & COMREL Coordinator Jerome Requidan also highlighted the importance of the partnership to help improve the state of the environment.

"Importante siya (It's important) because it would reflect the corporate responsibility of the institution. We are all in one with the different SDGs na pinu-push ng (that are pushed by) different nations. We are helping the environment and we are also doing our part in terms of the improvement of our society," he stated.

The participating stakeholders include staff from various University offices, leaders from selected student organizations, and NSRC volunteers.

Considering the gathering of different people from the institution, FEU Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) President Christmer Ordanes expressed his gratitude to be present in the tree planting event.

“It's one great initiative in pursuant [to] the celebration of Arbor Day to have meaningful initiatives such as planting trees. It's [not an] everyday occurrence na magkakaroon ng (that we have a) collaboration across different stakeholders so that's why I'm very grateful to be part of this opportunity representing the student body,” the FEUCSO president shared.

Moreover, La Mesa Watershed Reservation houses La Mesa Dam and Reservoir which supplies water to Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces. It also comprises the most prominent rainforest in the said region.

Philippine Arbor Day is an event made official by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo under Presidential Proclamation No. 643, encouraging citizens to practice tree planting every June 25.

FEU is currently the sole Higher Education Institution in partnership with DENR.

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)