By Ronan S. Punzalan, Intern

Sustaining the greening project of the Mariano Marcos State University, President Shirley C. Agrupis led employees and students in a bamboo-planting activity today, July 25. Around 100 bamboo seedlings were planted by administrative council members, teaching and non-teaching staff and student leaders in the MMSU village this morning, in time for PSCA's birthday celebration.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis said the planting of ornamental and other species of bamboos “moves us forward in creating an MMSU village park that is tranquil, peaceful, rejuvenating and conducive for MMSU learners and other stakeholders.” 

She added, “we chose bamboo to symbolize strength and resiliency of the whole MMSU community, which shall soon be a demonstration or a model park for the entire province.” 
Dr. Charlie B. Batin, the proponent of the activity from the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development, added that ornamental bamboos are beneficial for their stalk and for climate change mitigation. 

The activity was spearheaded by the university’s research and extension directorates, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 
In the past, palms were planted at the College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology, and trees at the university’s Nagbacsan, Batac site. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)