Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members from the Ecclesiastical District of Ilocos Sur, in Luzon Philippines, greeted the new year, by among others, helping in environmental conservation.

On January 6, 2023, they planted a significant number of mangrove seeds or propagules along the coastline near the Salomague Port in Cabugao City, Ilocos Sur. The said port serves, among other marine vessels, international cruise ships that bring tourists to this part of the Philippines.

Brother Manuel N. Santos, district supervising minister, led the ministers and brethren in the tree planting activity which is “in line with the government’s efforts to protect and save the environment.”

Appreciative of the Church’s concern for the environment, officers of the Philippine Navy assigned in the province joined the brethren from all over the district in the worthwhile activity.

“As a member of the Philippine Navy, I am thankful for an activity like this because it raises awareness in the community about the importance of protecting nature, for the sake of the future generations,” enthused Lieutenant Commander Edwin Nuestro. “As a member of the Church Of Christ, it makes me proud that we continue to hold activities like this. I promise to remain united with the Church Administration in all its endeavors.”

Residents of Brgy. Salomague expressed thankfulness to the brethren knowing the role mangrove forests have in preventing soil erosion and protecting coastal communities from the rising sea levels and increasingly destructive storm surges. — With reports from INC News Section