Some 150 Environmental Science students of MMSU planted 700 narra and molave saplings at the Paoay Lake National Park last January 17, an activity which is part of the massive greening program being undertaken in Ilocos Norte to raise public awareness of environmental protection as a priority agenda for sustainable development.

A team of personnel from the M&A Associates, a private law firm from Metro Manila, and forest rangers from the Environment and Natural Resources Office assisted the students.

Lawyer Paolo S. Teston, a partner of M&A Associates, said it always feels good to be close to nature after their daily grind in the Metro.

"As we work in the law firm, we attend hearings and meet with clients. I remember joining tree-planting activities way back in college. That was a long time ago," Teston said. 

Through the initiative of lawyer Liza Araneta-Marcos, wife of former senator Ferdinand R. Marcos II, the tree-planting program also aims to generate public awareness of the importance of preserving the environment before it is too late.

As the renewable energy capital of the country, Ilocos Norte is poised to sustain its greening programs, particularly in protecting its watersheds and other sources of water.