In a heartfelt gesture of gratitude towards the Indigenous Bukidnon People of Sitio Mambanao, Brgy. Kumaliskis, Salvador Benedicto, La Consolacion College Bacolod’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM), Graduate School, National Service Training Program (NSTP), and Institutional Environmental Advocacy Program (IEAP) recently marked the 15th anniversary of their Mambanao Village Forest Packets Tree Growing Project.
For a decade and a half, this collaborative effort has seen local partners joining hands to plant native trees within their community, fostering environmental sustainability and cultural appreciation. The annual commitment extends beyond tree planting, incorporating a Christmas outreach program that aims to strengthen ties and monitor the progress of the planted trees.
A dedicated team, led by Dr. Carmen Menes and Dr. Joji Linaugo from the LCCB Graduate School, along with Mr. Christian Ituriaga, Chef JP Pascual, Chef Nestor De Asis from LCCB SHTM, and Mr. Adryan Valiao from LCCB NSTP & IEAP, visited the adopted community last December 23, 2023, to commemorate this significant milestone.
The visit commenced with Dr. Joji Linaugo reflecting on the project’s humble beginnings 15 years ago, setting the tone for the day’s activities. Dr. Carmen Menes then provided instructions on filling out the tree-growing monitoring form, emphasizing the importance of data collection.
The day unfolded with a heartwarming “kamustahan” session, strengthening the bond between the project initiators and community partners. The children and parents were treated to a lively game session facilitated by Chef JP Pascual, spreading joy and laughter.
Generosity flowed as the team distributed gift packs, rice, simple snacks, and tree seedlings donated by various contributors. LCCB NSTP students also made a meaningful contribution by donating clothes and gifts to the community.
The trees planted during the project include Pterocarpus indicus (narra), Macaranga bicolor (hamindang/binunga), Diospyros blanco (Kamagong/mabolo), Milletia pinnata (Bani/balok-balok), and Toona calantas (Kalantas/lanipga). The LCCB IEAP plans to provide a comprehensive report based on the monitoring forms gathered during the visit at the end of the academic year.
The success of the 15th annual visit would not have been possible without the generous contributions from various individuals. The organizers extend their heartfelt gratitude to donors, including current and former personnel as well as current students, and alumni of LCC Bacolod. Their collective efforts have truly made a positive impact on the Mambanao Village and its residents./AV #lccbIEAP #GreenerLCCB