DCY Kalibo joins the 1 Million Tree
Planting Project
Environmental
protection and conservation of our natural resources are deemed essential. It is a key to a stress-free living. However, nowadays, people tend to become
irresponsible. Instead of protecting our
ailing Mother Earth, we tend to destroy it little by little. We only have one
planet to live in. We should all make it
safe for our future generations.
THE BEGINNING
Upon receiving the letter of
invitation from the Episcopal Commission on Youth regarding the 1M Project, the
Diocesan Commission on Youth Staff with the guidance of the Diocesan Youth
Director, Rev. Fr. Glenn C. Magpusao, conducted a meeting that aimed to put
project into a reality. The DCY Staff
positively committed to the call of ECY for the 1M Tree Planting Project. There was an intensive planning, dividing of task
and careful preparation of necessary materials needed for the activity.
Recognizing the limitations for this
project, the blessings of Most Rev. Corazon T. Talaoc, Bishop of Kalibo was
asked. The difficulties such as the area
to be planted and the support needed from the priests were expressed to him.
Bishop Cor gave names of persons whom could help in this activity. The words
given by the Bishop inspired the Staff to continue the activity amidst the
challenges.
PRE-PLANTING ACTIVITY
The DCY-Kalibo had chosen September
3, 2011 as the date for the Pre-Planting Activity. It aimed to give insights
and empowering the youths to be agents of change as God’s steward of creation.
Young people from parishes & chapels youth ministries, youth Organizations
such as Knights of the Altar, Squirettes of Mary & Youth For Christ were
invited to attend.
There were 31 youths attended the
Pre-Planting activity held at 8:00 o’clock in the morning of the Daeapuan
Center of St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Kalibo, Aklan. Miss Ryien E. Remias, Diocesan Youth
Coordinator delivered the topic from the Module of Pre-Planting. To give more concrete examples of what is
happening in our environment, a video presentation of Typhoon Frank that
devastated Kalibo last June 21, 2008 was presented. Typhoon Frank was
considered the worst Typhoon that hit the province of Aklan. Participants
expressed their fear for the future generation after the video presentation. The
youths didn’t want to experience another Typhoon Frank to happen again. Thus,
they freely expressed their support to the 1M Tree Planting Project. Commitment
Forms were given to the participants which served as offerings during the
closing prayer. The activity was indeed
a success.
LINKAGES AND COORDINATION
DCY Kalibo established linkage with
the DENR Provincial Office for the provision of the tree sampling. Ms. Medelyn
Quadra, Farm Supervisor of DENR-CENRO assisted the DCY toward the
implementation of the project. Proper coordination was also established with
Hon. Rogely I. Ibisate, Brgy. Captain of Brgy. Bakhaw Sur, the chosen site for
Tree-Planting. The Bakhaw Sur Barangay Council pledged to provide a boat and
escorts. The DCY also coordinated with the different schools and youth
organizations to participate in the said activity. Aklan Photographic Society, a SEC-Registered
Non-Profit Organization and the premiere camera organization in Aklan, pledged
to commit their services for the Tree-Planting.
ANSWERING THE NEED
Sitio Isla Pigado, Bakhao Sur,
Kalibo, Aklan is one of the flood prone areas. The residents suffer due to
frequent shore erosion. A portion of
land owned by the Diocese of Kalibo is located at the said barangay. To help
the need of the community, the DCY Kalibo considered it as a venue for the Tree
Planting. A lay minister, Bro. Addie
Roldan offered his land located near the area to be planted. Ms. Quadra advised the DCY Staff to that it
would be better to plant mangrove seedlings since it contribute to the
stabilization of the shorelines and preventions of shore erosion. Aside from that, mangrove trees also act as
sinks which concentrate pollutants such as sewage, toxic minerals, pesticides,
herbicides, etc. One thousand (1,000) seedlings from KASAMA (an organization
that presently manage the Kalibo Mangrove Forest) were used for planting.
PLANTING
A meaningful program at the Brgy.
Bakhaw Sur near the dumping site was conducted.
The program started at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon with an opening
prayer led by Miss Ryien E. Remias.
Orientation about the 1M Tree Planting Project was given by Miss Ricel
N. Villanueva, DCY Staff while Ms. Medelyn Quadra oriented the participants on
how to plant the mangrove seedlings properly.
She even demonstrated the correct position of the seedlings to ensure
its survival. Ms. Quadra then, gave the
importance of the mangroves especially in preventing the rapid shore erosion
experienced by the people of Bakhaw Sur.
Hon. Junard Apolonio, Brgy. Councilor of Brgy. Bakhaw Sur was also
present to represent the Brgy, Council. The program ended at 3:00 p.m. The team
was divided into two groups: one group planted the 300 seedlings at the
shoreline near the land owned by Mr. Addie Roldan while the other group planted
the 700 seedlings near the land owned by the Diocese of Kalibo.
It took 30 minutes to reach the
site. Participants experienced challenges along the way such as having stuck in
the muddy area, wound due to ‘talaba’ shells and ‘aroma’ thorns. Participants
realizing the value and meaning of the program expressed their joy and
fulfillment for having contributed for the preservation of the Mother Earth also
as their gift to Mama Mary.
Mrs. Medelyn
Quadra, DENR-Aklan Representative gave instruction about proper planting
of mangroves
Youth ministers and
young people of the Diocese of Kalibo prayed for the Activity
Young people of the
Diocese of Kalibo enjoyed the experience of river crossing
in reaching the
planting site.
After 30 minutes
of walking down the muddy soil and river crossing,
finally , young
people of the Diocese of Kalibo were able to plant the mangrove.
In the middle of
planting mangrove, a youth minister of the Diocese of Kalibo can’t help not to
express her jubilation for having the opportunity to contribute for the 1M Tree
Planting Project.
Youth Ministers
and young people of the Diocese of Kalibo passionately joined
the 1M Tree-planting
activity last September 8, 2011
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