Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU Fulbright alumni mark Day of Service with Agoho tree-growing drive in Bangui

By Jareason Fabre

As Fulbright alumni around the world marked Global Service Day by giving back to their communities, Fulbright alumni serving at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) joined the global observance today, August 1 through MMSU FulbrighTREES to SUCCEED, a tree-growing program in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.
 

The initiative brought together MMSU officials, the Local Government Unit of Bangui, Bangui National High School, the American Corner Batac, the Rotary Club of Laoag Sunshine, and community volunteers to plant 80 Agoho (Casuarina equisetifolia) trees on a hilltop overlooking the town's coastline and iconic windmills.
 

Led by MMSU alumni, the program is an initial effort in the university's long-term engagement with the town and a symbolic commemoration of Fulbright Global Service Day, an annual worldwide volunteer initiative that encourages Fulbright alumni to address community needs through service. The initiative also supports the SUCCEED Agenda, particularly its Comprehensive Community Service pillar, by promoting environmental stewardship and strengthening partnerships with local communities.
 

Established in 1946 and funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Program is the United States' flagship international academic exchange program. It supports students, scholars, professionals, artists, and educators in pursuing study, research, teaching, and cultural exchange to promote mutual understanding between the United States and partner countries.
 

In his welcome message, University President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., a Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Scholarship Program (FPASP) alumnus at Columbia University (2014–2015), said the activity reflects the responsibility that comes with the Fulbright experience.
 

"As Fulbright alumni, we have been given opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow while we were in the US. Those experiences also carry a responsibility to give back, and one meaningful way to do so is by caring for the communities and environment that continue to shape us."
 

Vice President for Academic Affairs Aris Reynold Cajigal, a Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education alumnus of the University of Georgia (2007–2010), said the activity connects MMSU with a global network of Fulbright alumni who are initiating their own community service.
 

"Across the world, Fulbright alumni are giving back through meaningful service. At MMSU, we are proud and grateful to be part of that global tradition."
 

Bangui Mayor Denton Lawrence Garvida welcomed the initiative and thanked the Fulbright alumni and partner organizations for choosing Bangui as the site of the program. He said the tree-growing activity supports the municipality's environmental efforts while developing the site that may become a learning haven for generations of students.
 

Bangui National High School Principal Joel Manuel said caring for the environment is a shared responsibility and expressed hope that young people would continue protecting the trees long after the event.
 

Before planting, participants attended an environmental literacy session conducted by the faculty of the MMSU Department of Forestry, which demonstrated proper tree planting techniques and highlighted the importance of long-term tree care and coastal restoration. 
 

The 80 Agoho seedlings were donated by Bayog Wind Power Corporation, a company of ACEN Renewables based in Caparispisan, Pagudpud, in support of the environmental initiative. The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at MMSU also contributed carabao milk products for the volunteers, while the Local Government Unit of Bangui hosted a community 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘶-𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘰 after the activity, reflecting the Filipino spirit of 𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘩𝘢𝘯, working together and sharing a meal in celebration of a common purpose. 
 

The Agoho trees were selected because they are native to coastal areas and help reduce soil erosion, improve climate resilience, and restore vegetation once common along the Bangui shoreline. Their pine-like appearance also serves as a symbolic reminder of the United States, where the Fulbright alumni pursued their academic exchange programs. 
 

With one of the largest concentrations of Fulbright alumni in the Philippines, MMSU continues to benefit from the global perspectives and leadership of its scholars across academic and administrative units. They include Dr. Saturnina Nisperos, Dean of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (Doctor of Philosophy in Modelling and Simulation, Old Dominion University, Virginia, 2014–2018); Dr. Peter James Gann, Chief of the Center for Cellular and Molecular Medical Research (Doctor of Philosophy in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas, Arkansas, 2018-2023); Engr. Jonas Paul Dela Cruz, Chief of the National Service Training Program (Global Undergraduate Exchange Program, Jackson State University, Mississippi, 2012); Dr. Jareason Fabre, Chief for International Accreditation (Foreign Language Teaching Assistantship or FLTA Program, Gonzaga University, Washington, 2023–2024); Prof. Ryan Roi Domingo, Chief of the MMSU Language Center (FLTA, Skyline College, California, 2022–2023); Dr. Winicel May Ancheta, Graduate School Secretary (FLTA, Skyline College, California, 2017–2018); Prof. Luvee Hazel Aquino (FLTA, Stanford University, California, 2013–2014); and Prof. Rommel Dascil, Fulbright Master of Arts in International Development and Social Change, Clark University, Massachusetts (2009–2011).
 

The initiative also received the support of CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis,  7th MMSU President and FPASP scholar at Kansas State University (2011–2012).