PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE | When we plant trees, we also plant for our future. And through meaningful collaboration and caring hearts, we can repair the damage caused by decades of human neglect and irresponsibility one seedling at a time.
February 5, 2025 – Highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship and the sustainable management of the city’s natural areas, the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, through the efforts of the Ateneo Center for Environment and Sustainability (ACES) and the Social Development Unit (SDU), with support from the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) joined forces to spearhead the Stewardship and Indigenous Environmental Management for Biodiversity and Resilience Actions or SIEMBRA Project.
As part of the launching of this project, a Tree Planting Activity was conducted at Barangay Patalon, Zamboanga City. SIEMBRA was also made possible by the efforts of the Jesuit Refugee Service under the C3P3, Care for Communities and Creation – Pillar 3. This is also their flagship program.
Participating in the event were the Labuan Patalon – Limpapa Subanon Indigenous Cultural Communities (LPLSICC) comprised of the Subanon tribe who are the key-persons for the perpetuation of this project. Present during the launch was University President Fr Ernald M Andal, SJ who, together with LPLSICC member Timouy Leo Gumandao, ACES Director Mr Emir V Epino, OCENR Asstistant Head Mr Gerry Pollisco, and other notable figures, gave out messages of gratitude and support for the creation and future success of the project.
The movement aims to plant seedlings for the propagation of our forest areas both inland and around coastlines to help aid in the overall well-being of Zamboanga City’s natural zones. This also adheres to AdZU’s Vision and Mission of unity and community engagement.
AdZU expressed its profound gratitude to the IP community of Patalon and tis mission partners. This is the first in a lineup of eco-activities to be done throughout the implementation of the SIEMBRA project which will be done in the coming months.
