Six local congregations in Calintaan area of the San Jose, Mindoro Occidental Ecclesiastical District collaborated for a tree-planting activity on October 30, 2024.

Members of the Bolangcog, Calintaan, Concepcion, Lumintao, New Dagupan, and Tanyag congregations joined hands in planting a total of 250 narra seedlings at the municipal solid waste management facility in Sitio Tuburan, Barangay Iriron, Calintaan town, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines.

Duly coordinated with the local government, the socio-civic activity was aimed at helping address environmental concerns, such as floodings and landslides that often affect the region.

“We’re in the process of rehabilitating this garbage site, one of which is through growing trees. Trees planted here will be a protection forest in the future, act as sequestration [of carbon], and as habitation for different species,” said Delmer Garingalo of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO). He added, “On behalf of our office, we thank the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo Manalo, for [approving the conduct of] this important activity.”

“Taking part in this tree-planting activity is a noble cause as plants and trees play a significant role in supporting our environment, that is, preventing floods and landslides from happening,” said Leony Basco, a finance officer from the Calintaan Congregation.

Brother Noel Resurreccion, assistant district supervising minister, oversaw the successful conduct of the project. He expressed appreciation of “the brethren’s activeness in the faith [as] they continue upholding their unity within the Church.” — With reports from Jerico E. Bire