In an effort to bring together students, teachers, parents, and community leaders for the purpose of promoting environmental preservation and instill environmental responsibility, Malvar Senior High School (MSHS) joined the Department of Education’s (DepEd) nationwide 236, 000 Trees Project-A Christmas Gift for the Children, Dec. 6.
This was in lined with DepEd Memorandum No. 69, s. 2023 that aims to encourage participation from 47, 678 public schools in different parts of the country and provide an avenue for students to become active participants in tree planting activities and promote conservation efforts.
The event began with the registration of 10 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) teachers, 13 student participants from Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) club and seven Community Engagement students. They were divided into groups named after fruit-bearing trees that would be planted near the school fence such as calamansi, santol, lanzones, guyabano, and avocado.
When the program commenced, Mrs. Imelda Silva, Master Teacher II, delivered her opening remarks in the form of a short story emphasizing the significant role that trees and forests play in the lives of human beings.
Following Mrs. Silva’s speech, Mrs. Agrifina Dirain, Public Schools District Supervisor of Malvar, stressed the need for the continuous and collaborative effort of everyone who was involved in the activity in sustaining projects like this.
“Hindi pagkatapos magtanim ay goodbye na,” she said.
A representative from the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) echoed the same sentiment and encouraged the youth to take an active role in protecting the environment.
Hon. Rafael Miguel Custodio, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman, and Hon. Simeon Magpantay, the Barangay Chairman of Poblacion, also delivered messages that highlighted the significance of community involvement in similar initiatives for the environment. Furthermore, Mr. Magpantay appealed to everyone to reduce the volume of solid waste generated at home and in schools daily, asked for support regarding the barangay’s project regarding solid waste management, and expressed commitment as one of the school’s partners.
“As much as possible, the waste that should be collected should amount to at least 30% only. Unfortunately, the opposite happens so I would like to ask everyone to take part in this project in the same way that we are supportive of the school’s programs,” he mentioned.
After these speeches, reminders stressing the proper techniques for planting and caring for the saplings to ensure their survival were discussed by Mrs. Golda Taberna. Shortly after, the tree planting activity commenced with participants carefully planting the saplings in the designated venues, securing them with tree guards; thus, showing their commitment to a sustainable environment.
When all the saplings were planted, participants were given certificates of appreciation to recognize their efforts in contributing to such environmental cause.
The event concluded with Mr. Dennis Castillo, Faculty President, extending his appreciation to Mrs. Mikuhra Tañedo and Mrs. Shiela Caya, YES-O moderators, in facilitating the activity and also to the participants for fostering their dedication to a cleaner and greener school environment.
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