On September 20, 2024, the Southern Luzon State University Office of Extension Services (SLSU OES) successfully conducted an Environmental Governance Seminar and Tree Planting Activity for the residents of Brgy. Kabatete, Lucban, Quezon. Participants gathered at the Barangay Hall, where they learned about environmental management and conservation.
he participants and facilitators were warmly welcomed by Hon. Cap. Mario V. De Asis, who expressed his gratitude to the university for responding to their request for an environmental governance seminar and tree-planting activity. He highlighted the importance of the activity, emphasizing the community’s need to conserve their trees and forests.
For. Eraldwin A. Dimailig, director of the Office of Production Services and project leader of the SLSU Cloning Facility, served as the resource speaker for this activity. He provided insights on environment management, including an introduction to the concept of a mini/pocket forest. He introduced the participants to various plant species and shared techniques to care for them properly. He also gives an in-depth discussion on what plant species will thrive well in Lucban, and which would not flourish in the area, at the end of his discussion For. Dimailig gave importance to and encouraged the local community to take an active role in caring for their environment for the sake of future generations.
The seminar was followed by a tree-planting activity, wherein, the university provided the participants with different seedlings including banaba, bahai, lipote, etc., for them to start replanting their trees and forests
The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Felino J. Gutierrez, Jr., officer-in-charge of extension services. He commended the local community of Lucban for their conservation efforts and noted that the residents of Lucban are not solely dependent on Mt. Banahaw for their livelihood. Dr. Gutierrez further emphasized the need to protect the environment to prevent natural disasters such as flooding, urging participants to care for the seedlings they received.
The Southern Luzon State University facilitates the management and protection of Mt. Banahaw San Cristobal Protected Landscape, giving importance to activities that promote environmental conservation and governance. This event with Brgy. Kabatete is a significant step toward raising awareness and empowering the residents at the foot of Mt. Banahaw to protect and nurture their natural surroundings.
By: Extension Office