Mahogany trees planted around Isabela State campus

SPREADING seeds for a healthier and more balanced ecosystem, Isabela State University (ISU) recently embarked on a tree-planting program to demonstrate its commitment to environmental conservation.

In the spirit of Republic Act (RA) 10176, or the «Arbor Day Act,» the activity was led by the university president, Ricmar Aquino; lawyer Romano Cammayo, ISU vice president for administration and finance services; and Jose Gallena Jr., ISU Echague Campus chief executive officer.

«Our mission is to plant 650 mahogany tree seedlings around the premises of the university's main campus in Echague town,» Aquino said.

These seedlings planted are part of the two-phase tree-planting commitment for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 13 on Climate Action and SDG 15 on Life on Land.

The university president added that their tree-planting program is «one of our efforts for environmental stewardship as reflected in our operational mantra as a University for Nature.»

RA 10176 is pivotal legislation that empowers ISU Echague Campus employees and officials, and protects and nurtures the nation's natural beauty with the environment.

The activity was a collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in San Isidro town for the provision of seedlings and other environmental services. ISU administrative personnel, faculty members and employees participated in the event.

Aquino mentioned their next steps, saying, «Next month, the ISU community will gather once more to plant another 650 seedlings, this time with bamboo.»