05/05/2026
College Graduating Class of 2025–2026
Mangrove Tree Planting Activity
May 1, 2026 – Feast Day of St. Joseph the Worker
The graduating class from the different schools of Divine Word College of Calapan conducted a simultaneous, batch-organized mangrove tree planting activity at Wawa Mangrove Eco-Park, Barangay Wawa, Calapan City. Students, instructor-advisers, faculty members, and other college personnel actively participated in the event.
The activity was led by the CES Coordinator, Ms. Ma. Aimee R. Bermudez, who delivered the opening remarks and provided important reminders. Participants assembled before dawn and arrived at Wawa Mangrove Eco-Park before 6:00 AM.
Originally scheduled to be held at Laudato Si’ Farm in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro, the activity was later rescheduled and relocated to Barangay Wawa, Calapan City. This change was made in response to cost-efficiency measures necessitated by the rising fuel prices associated with the oil crisis and ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The program commenced with an opening prayer, the SVD Motto Prayer, followed by a brief presentation on the history of the Wawa Mangrove Eco-Park project.
This initiative originated as a response to the devastating effects of the 1994 Mindoro earthquake, which severely impacted the area.
In 2011, Divine Word College of Calapan, through its Community Extension Services Office, adopted Barangay Wawa and initiated mangrove rehabilitation efforts through tree planting and coastal clean-up activities involving students, faculty, and partner organizations. A formal partnership among the Barangay Local Government Unit and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources was later established through a Memorandum of Agreement.
As rehabilitation efforts progressed, the community envisioned transforming the area into a Mangrove Eco-Park. Benchmarking activities were conducted to guide its sustainable development. The project aims to promote community development through environmental protection, disaster preparedness, ecotourism, and livelihood opportunities.
Selected students shared their reflections on their experiences during the activity. The event concluded with a closing prayer of adoration to the Most Holy Trinity.