The Ecclesiastical District of Masbate, Philippines, held a coastal clean-up drive and tree planting activity on June 5-6, 2026 at Barangay Balocawe in Dimasalang and Brgy. Ayat in Mandaon, respectively. Brother Renato Estrada Sr., district supervising minister, led both activities together with the ministers and ministerial workers in the district.

In the clean-up drive, brethren gathered in the coastal area of Barangay Balocawe, in the southern part of the province. They used broomsticks, rakes, and shovels to clean the coast of debris and litter. They then collected these in sacks and trash bags for proper disposal.

Together with her entire household, Marichel Arcellas, choir member from the Local Congregation of Cataingan, shared that “we took part in the clean-up drive and collected many plastics, bottles, fallen branches, and dried leaves right along the shoreline.”

“I’m excited for this gathering that I woke up early to make the trip out to the venue as I unite in this clean-up activity,” expressed Jaquelyn Mollejon, Binhi officer from the Local Congregation of Placer. “It brings me joy, especially getting the chance to meet and bond with the brethren from different local congregations to clean this place.”

The following day, volunteer Church members in the district planted tree seedlings of mango and santol (cotton fruit) in an elevated vacant lot in Ayat near the local congregation’s house of worship. They set out 300 seedlings of the said fruit-bearing trees.

“We prepared the planting site,” said James Bibaño, head deacon of the Local Congregation of Ayat. “We also constructed protective barriers to safeguard the new growth from any animals that might damage them.”

Thankful to the Church Administration for approving the activity, Rommel Martinez, Buklod president of the host congregation, said that “this will help in caring for our environment, adding more trees will help clean the air that we breath.”

Brother Frank Arris Reglos, district Christian Family Organizations overseer, said that “these kinds of activities truly help our local communities. People see that the Church is committed to protecting our environment.” — With assistance from Raenier Moral