CAFSD graduands grow native trees at MMSU forest reserve
By Daniel Tapaoan, Jr., 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘳
In support of the university’s environmental sustainability program, the graduating class of the MMSU College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) conducted an enrichment planting activity at the MMSU Forest Reserve in Payao, City of Batac, on June 1.
The Student Council of the CAFSD Graduating Class of 2026 led the initiative. They were joined by Department of Environmental Science Chair Floramante Pastor, Department of Forestry Chair Jether Jorial, as well as faculty members from both departments. The activity aimed to enhance the MMSU Payao Forest Reserve, which was previously planted with native tree seedlings by CAFSD Batch 2025.
During the activity, 50 banaba, 30 yakal saplungan, and 20 guijo seedlings were planted. To ensure their survival, the seedlings were planted at the onset of the rainy season and were properly hardened in the MMSU Forest Tree Nursery. These species were chosen for the enrichment planting activity because they help improve soil quality, conserve biodiversity, absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and enhance the beauty of the forest reserve.
Representing University President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., Dr. Arlene Gonzales, director of the MMSU Sustainability and Futures Thinking office, commended the college for sustaining the initiative. She also thanked the graduands for contributing to the university’s environmental efforts.
CAFSD Dean Chalie Batin urged the graduating class to keep caring for the environment. He encouraged them to join greening efforts, like the planting activity in the MMSU Forest Reserve, to support the community's well-being.
“Let us all take action to ensure environmental sustainability for the next generation through tree-planting activities. At CAFSD, we promote the well-being of people by caring for the environment,” Dean Batin said.
The enrichment planting activity by the CAFSD Class of 2026 supports the university’s clean and green programs. It is also in line with Republic Act 10800, or the Graduation Legacy for the Environment Act, which requires students to plant trees before graduation.
Jun, 05, 2026 10:08:am
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