EVENT: Mangrove Tree Planting (Outreach 1)

DATE/TIME: December 03, 2016 9:00 AM -1:00 PM

The outreach program held last Saturday, December 3, 2016, gave me a very nice experience.
The place has a lot of plants and trees, and I really love places like that. I got excited the first
time I heard about this outreach program because this is the first time Im involve in such kind of
activity. Our call time for leaving the school is 4:30am and I didnt made it on time so I got
nervous because they might left school already. But luckily, Id able to be there at school before
the three vans had arrived. Anyway, regarding the tree planting, I had a fun time making pits for
the bakawan seedlings though the first bakawan I planted wasnt able to stand and yes it was
divided into two, it made me sad at first but I just smile and continue planting two bakawans.
Walking a long distance before reaching the intended spot for planting the mangroves was the
hardest part but thinking that the mangrove seedlings we have in hand have an important role in
the environment, it do ease the hardship. Im very happy that I experienced this kind of
activity.- SAMILLANO, Klinneth Joy P.

Development, rehabilitation and protection of mangrove areas have constantly been the priority
activity of the coastal and marine management. This is in response to the continuous mangrove
resource degradation, climate change adaptation strategies and Executive Order No. 26, known
as National Greening Program. Magroves helps for climate change adaptation and cleaner air and
also in the preservation of the soil, thus preventing soil erosion and flash floods, wave buffer
during tropical storms, breeding, nursery and feeding areas for a great variety of life, including
the endangered and threatened species. (Rehabilitation, Management and Protection of
Mangrove Areas, 2011)
Our first outreach was held in Lobo, Batangas, a splended experience of mangrove tree planting.
This was organized due to the demands of the increasing population of the world, in order for our
world to better adapt to its surroundings. The researchers observed that there is a need and is a
responsibility for us that the natural environment especially the mangrove ecosystem, be taken
cared of, to be protected, preserved and properly managed, fro it could be a way of restoring
balace in nature and also it can be a means of livelihood for the locals, through responsible
ecotourism.- PAJARES, Margie Lou

Last Saturday, December 13th the practicum class of SY 2016-2017 conducted an outreach for
tree planting and at the same day a seminar for Importance of Mangrove Tree at Lobo, Batangas.
Exactly 5 oclock in the morning we left the school together with the selective faculty. This event
was as unforgettable as we gathered in an adventurous amazing place. While travelling the place
and feeling the beauty of nature, surely makes everyone relax. When we arrived at the Brgy.
Lagadlarin, greetings from the Brgy., Captain and warmed welcome from the organization and
facilitator was felt by everyone. Courtesy call was being done by the Brgy. Captain and
orientation for tree planting was explained by the speakers.
Planting a mangrove tree can have tremendous influences on communities. Tree planting
improves our environment. Planting a tree can decrease energy costs. To plant a tree can enhance
our quality of life and improve our health. During the tree planting, longest walk on mangrove
forest was experienced after we arrived on the place. Planting trees is a learning environment
because it provides healthy and beautiful places for children to play and learn. We can make it as
a school project. By using tree planting, we can instill a sense of environmental awareness
amongst youths or in school ages. Through this outreach, we promote this as a form of green
activism to make them aware of how important it was to plant more trees. It also gives an
extraordinary experience for us. We have been able to see the joy of kids who want to do
something for the environment. The students will be extremely happy to participate in this
initiative. This will be a youth led and youth implemented project.
Finish planting all three trees in the end of the activity, was like finishing a 100km
marathon. Before I never had any experience in planting trees. This is really one of the highlights
of the activity. How to plant a tree, choose a suitable location/site, learn how to take care of the
plants until they are grown up and be part of the people/team that cares about the environment
was really the main highlight of this tree planting activity. Remember to "Go Green" in
everything we do, its not just for ourselves, but our future generations life as well. -
VILLARAN, Jaynie Lee M.

By conducting this community outreach program, i was able to learn facts about some of the
mangrove species and its characteristics through an orientaton held prior the tree planting
activity. The proper way of planting the mangroves and a few tips was also discussed to us. As
we begin the activity, at first, it was difficult because of the distant travel, long walks and direct
exposure to sun. But overall, mangrove tree planting was a very rewarding experience. It was
really pleasing to see how our little efforts could help contribute to the welfare of the
environment and the local community of Lobo, Batangas. I am looking forward to serve again in
an oppurtunity similar to this.- BALDECANAS, Abigail

First of all, I would like the extend my deepest gratitude to the people of Lobo, Batangas for
their efforts in making this activity possible. On our way, we could really feel the fresh air
coming from the green leafy trees of the Municipality. It really made us feel relaxed and I
realized, if our world is like the generations before us, I think we wont experience extreme
natural calamities in our places most especially the biggest problem were encountering today,
the climate change. During the mangrove tree planting, I felt responsible to bring back nature
what they are giving us like clean water and fresh air. I was able to appreciate the willingness of
my classmates to plant for the benefit not just for those who were living in Lobo but also the
marine ecosystem of the place. Mangrove forests are home to a large variety of fish, crab,
shrimp, and mollusk species. These are vitally important for the coral reef and commercial
fisheries in the place. The biggest realization in this activity is being able to appreciate and
maintain our environment. As early as now we need to make simple moves to take care of the
environment and a simple tree planting could do. Let us all become responsible and become the
change for the benefit of the future generation.CABUDOL, Christian John F.

CONSOLIDATED BY:
GROUP LEADER: MALICDEM, Roxette H.