Future Science and Technology Leaders of the Philippines (FSTLP) officers of CTU Daanbantayan spared time in December last year to raise awareness on how trees could impact climate change.
The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) supported FSTLP’s project by providing 17 mahogany (swietenia mahogany) and two molave (vitex parviflora) plants.
Environmental campaigners like FSTLP can avail of them for free, but a minimal amount of P75 is required for each seedling from farmers, cooperatives, and plantations.
The mahogany is particularly a semi-evergreen tree with a canopy that casts dappled shade, while molave is best known for being drought-tolerant, hardwood tree that is endemic to Philippines and other Asian countries.
Both tree species are frequently used in the country’s northern province to reduce storm water runoff and improve air quality.
Thus, the group had them planted beside the Habitat Village, a housing project constructed by Habitat for Humanity Philippines for the residents of Agujo, Daanbantayan, who were severely affected by typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
Nurturing the Community
Despite the previous setback in 2013 and successive calamities in 2020, the municipality remains to be among the province’s most climate-vulnerable areas.
In support of the municipality’s mission of preparing for these threats, the campus initiated the sustainable project.
Organization members go to the site to water the plants three times a week, while other student volunteers install tree guards thanks to campus director Ruben Ungui’s directive.
Keeping Them Busy
FSTLP previously collaborated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in conducting evaluation on educational assistance among Daanbantayan students.
Consistent engagement with stakeholders is part of the mandate they uphold as a way of promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)./Nikkithea L. Beduya/ICPA Daanbantayan