By Daniel Tapaoan, Jr., STRATCOM Correspondent

The 230 graduating students of MMSU College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) affirmed their commitment to environmental stewardship by planting trees and bamboo propagules today, July 2, at the University Forest Reserves in Barangays Payao and Mabaleng in the City of Batac. 

Spearheaded by CAFSD OIC-Dean Charlie Batin and the 2025 CAFSD Graduating Class Student Council, the activity aimed to encourage the graduands to actively contribute to the university’s sustainability efforts before completing their college journey. 

Dr. Batin said the group planted 130 kawayan tinik, machiku, and giant bamboo propagules in Brgy. Mabaleng, and sowed 120 guijo and yakal tree seedlings in Brgy. Payao. He added that the propagules and seedlings were obtained from the MMSU Bamboo Nursery and Central Nursery, respectively. 

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. commended the 2025 CAFSD Graduating Class for their noble project, highlighting the importance of leaving a lasting green footprint that will further preserve the forest areas managed by the university. 

Mr. Hashler Garalde, a CAFSD alumnus representing the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, extended his support and appreciation to the college’s sustainability efforts. 

Dr. Joselito Rosario, director for agribusiness, and Mr. Bonne Jovie Orteza of the MMSU Bamboo Research and Development Center facilitated the students in planting seedlings and propagules. Other participants of the activity were the department chairs and some faculty members of the college.

This activity builds upon the university’s various clean and green initiatives, which ultimately aim to sustain a vibrant and nurturing environment for everyone. A similar initiative was conducted by the CAFSD Department of Forestry and Junior Forester Association at the MMSU Biodiversity Conservation Learning Center and Leisure Park in 2024.