Mogpog, Marinduque, Philippines – MSC, being an advocate of environmental protection and sustainable development conducted tree planting and tree-hugging at MSC Mogpog Extramural Study Center, Capayang, Mogpog on February 23, 2024.

The Student Volunteering and Community Outreach Services Unit headed by Ms. Marife R. Madla displayed their commitment and relentless environmental stewardship through tree planting and tree-hugging activity together with the 40 student volunteers from various colleges of MSC.

The activity started with an opening message from Mr. Arnel M. Lantita who expressed his delight to the attendees who are continuously supporting different activities of the college as part of MSC’s advocacy on environmental preservation and protection.

On the other hand, Gerald M. Pajanustan, Center Director of MSC-ESC welcomed the participants to the activity and encouraged everyone to always advocate for the protection of our environment as this is the main source of everything we have in our everyday lives. He added that it is not only the physical environment that largely contributes to our environmental engagement but also the social and economic environment as well.

Mr. Marvin P. Plata, Vice President for Student Affairs Services also gave his message and emphasized that everyone should love our environment and always remember the importance of being one with nature having mutual benefits towards a sustainable development.

During his speech, SUC President III, Dr. Diosdado P. Zulueta recalled his journey as an environmentalist and an advocate of change where he was recognized as an Outstanding Mover and Hero of Life by the SaveMe Movement for his activities and projects. With much appreciation and hopefulness for the group whom he sees as young drivers of change, PDPZ encouraged the student volunteers to grow bigger in harmony and always act as environment stewards because this is the source of life for all.  

Before finally proceeding to tree planting and tree-hugging, Mr. Genroj Loiuse J. Laguna introduced the resource person who enlightened the audience about environmental awareness and conservation. Mr.  Ronnel C. Nolos talked about environmental awareness in which he pointed out how the environment works to give us life hence, we need to find ways to protect and sustain it with the growing population and other human activities that continuously deplete our resources.

Additionally, other MSC officials, faculty members from the College of Business and Accountancy and College of Environmental Studies, and non-teaching personnel were also present during the event who were composed of Atty. Arlyn Retardo, Ms. Ladymay Logatoc, Ms. Lynle N. Mendoza, Ms. Desiree Anne M. Sto. Domingo, and Mr. Christian Russel M. Rabi.

With the impressive dedication and contribution from student leaders and volunteers, MSC Student Volunteering and Community Outreach Services Unit is still encouraging students to engage and be the drivers of change for different environmental advocacies, special events, community outreach, healthcare, and disaster volunteer services of the college.