04/12/2025
IN PHOTOS ~
(Part 2 of 2)
Tree Planting, Community Engagement, and Network Integration Activity
Barangay Mabinit, Legazpi City, October 4, 2025
A meaningful and successful Tree Planting, Community Engagement, and Network Integration Activity unfolded on October 4, 2025, at the foot of the iconic Mayon Volcano in Barangay Mabinit, Legazpi City.
Nearly 180 participants from diverse organizations and institutions came together, united by a shared commitment to protect and nurture the watershed area.
The event was coordinated by the Legazpi City Water District (LCWD) and its dedicated team, with strong support from member organizations. Preparatory activities— including site identification and area clearing—were carried out by the LCWD and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), which also provided 300 narra seedlings along with other native tree species.
The City Government of Legazpi generously provided lunch packs for 150 participants, while the Legazpi Mountaineers energized the group with freshly brewed coffee.
The Provincial Government of Albay, through APSEMO, ensured safety by deploying an emergency response team on standby throughout the event.
The day began with a solemn Holy Mass at Redemptorist Church in Legazpi, marking the culmination of the Season of Creation 2025.
This year’s theme, “Peace with Creation,” deeply resonated with attendees, especially as the date coincided with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology.
After the Mass, participants traveled in convoy to the planting site in Barangay Mabinit, where other volunteers and organizers were already gathered. A ceremonial pre-planting ritual led by San Benito Sipag Ko and St. Agnes Academy set a reflective and purposeful tone.
The University of Santo Tomas– Legazpi’s Center for Community Involvement (UST-L CCI) facilitated the tree planting program, which culminated in the signing of a covenant and a group photo to commemorate the collective commitment.
Following the planting activity, some groups departed due to prior engagements, while the remaining participants proceeded to the covered court for a heartfelt community program. Organized through the collaboration of UST-L CCI, Albay Youth for Green Environment (AYGE), and the Redemptorist Youth Missionaries (RYM), the program featured games, presentations, and messages of support.
A representative from the Barangay Council expressed full backing for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of community-driven environmental stewardship. Other group representatives echoed this sentiment, sharing their joy and commitment to the cause.
LCWD’s General Manager delivered an inspiring message, outlining the Network’s vision and future direction in safeguarding Mt. Mayon’s protected area and watershed.
The event concluded with a shared early lunch, where participants enjoyed lively conversations and exchanged stories over food brought and shared by the groups.
This activity marks just the beginning. With growing momentum and strengthened partnerships, the Tubig Kan Buhay Network is now ready to embark on even greater initiatives in pursuit of its environmental advocacies.
