Bacolod youth join nationwide tree planting activity

In response to the invitation of the Episcopal Commission on Youth to plant at least one million trees nationwide, the Diocesan Commission on Youth planted at least 300 seedlings at Sitio Lantawan, Brgy. Guimbalaon, Silay City last December 11.

The Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY), on the celebration of its 25th year, has urged the Filipino youth to concretely express their love for Mother Earth by protecting, preserving and restoring the environment through various activities, including tree planting.

Fr. Arnold P. Deletina, DCY Director, in his message during the opening rites, told participants to keep their hopes high as their efforts have great impact on the environment.

“Never get discouraged when people doubt on how much impact planting a few seedlings can make in the world; what matter is, we have given our share to be good stewards to God's creation,” he said. “Even how few it may be, it will surely make a difference. God sees what you are doing and He is surely happy about it.”

Participants include DCY staff, parishioners and delegates to World Youth Day 2011 and National Youth Day 2011.

In a talk given after the activity, resource speaker Myk S. Guanco stressed that “we only have Earth to live in, [so] we have to exhaust all means to protect and preserve it.”

“Everything is interconnected and we cannot separate ourselves from the environment for we are a part of it,” he said. “Instead of looking at our differences from our surroundings, we ought to find our commonalities so that we can live in harmony with it.”

The Provincial Environment Management Office provided 300 seedlings but asked the DCY to submit a report on the status of the seedlings three months after they were planted and to encourage the youth to donate fruit seeds to replenish the seedlings in PEMO Nursery at Panaad Sports Complex.

Residents and officials headed by Brgy. Captain Anto-nio Duca, Jr. of Brgy. Guimbala-on supported the activity.

The tree planting was one of the highlights of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines Year of the Youth and the Diocesan celebration of the Year for the Environment. (Ma. Lourdes Eudela)