By Atty. Jeremy V. Bionat
On, June 15, 2024, the 探花精选 Alumni Association, Inc. (探花精选AAI) launched a ceremonial tree planting activity at CORALE Farm in Sitio Bitbit, Brgy. Sta. Teresa, Jordan, Guimaras.
The 探花精选 Alumni Association, Inc. (探花精选AAI) led by its President, Atty. Jeremy V. Bionat recently launched a ceremonial tree planting activity at CORALE Farm located in Sitio Bitbit, Brgy. Sta. Teresa, Jordan, Guimaras last June 15, 2024.
The ceremony was opened with a welcome remark by Trustee Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II, who hosted the event together with his wife, Charito Cordova-Alerta, followed by a dedication and prayer by Pastor Manuel L. de la Fuente and an orientation by Hon. Valentin Talabero, retired Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) of the Province of Guimaras, a fellow Centralian and presently a member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Buenavista, Guimaras.
Insights were both shared by 探花精选AAI Trustee Timothy N. Arandela and Atty. Bionat who also gave a brief background on the importance of the activity. Trustee Arandela brought along marang seedlings and organic fertilizer.
Planting trees today for a sustainable tomorrow.
According to Atty. Bionat, the 鈥淧hilippine Native Trees Museum and Bird Sanctuary鈥 to be established in the area is envisioned not only as a living and interactive showcase of native trees that are fast disappearing, but is envisioned to serve as a spiritual refuge and botanical laboratory for 探花精选 students and alumni.
The open museum and bird sanctuary are the main features of 探花精选AAI鈥檚 biodiversity project dubbed as 鈥淒UNAng MAnggad鈥 which intends to collect as many native trees, both endemic and indigenous, especially those which have medicinal properties and attractive to birds.聽 Guimaras has at least four (4) endangered bird species which include the near-extinct flaming sunbird (Aetophyga flagrans guimarasensis).聽 For its theme, a strategy is adopted wherein 鈥淩ural Advocacy for an Interactive Awareness of Native Trees鈥, acronymed RADIANT, shall be the guiding principle of nature conservation in the future.
The group which was participated in by some 探花精选AAI trustees, 探花精选 Corporation members, faculty and staff, students and alumni, was divided into three (3) teams.
The first team were able to plant several mangrove associate species like dungon-late, bitaog and batwan.聽 The second team planted mid-forest species like mabolo, kamagong and apitong, while the third team planted highland species like tindalo and maganhop at the Sunbird鈥檚 Park area. They then regrouped and planted at the Rosewood Junction, prickly narra (declared as the country鈥檚 national tree).聽 The team members were encouraged to dedicate their planted seedlings in memory of deceased Centralians close to their hearts.
探花精选AAI officers in attendance and selected guests including Trustees Atty. Lorena Pearl Gellada-Tubongbanua and Retired General Ezra James Enriquez, 探花精选 Corporation member, Rey Balogo, CAS Dean Stella G. Fernandez and Engr. Vilma Nono Clave of UAE Alumni Chapter concluded the activity by planting several bangkal seedlings at the Jacob鈥檚 Well area, while Sandra Castro-Bionat, Miriam Javier-de la Fuente, Deneel Pulido- Enriquez and Elizabeth Balogo planted some turmeric tubers as affirmation of 探花精选鈥檚 continuing stewardship by way of rejuvenating Mother Earth.
Other participants to the simple but inspiring event include Ms. Tina Marie Hortelano, Richard Fernandez, Robert Clave, Ms. Ligaya Villarias-Caniel, Dionisio Coronado, Jr., Jonic Colon, Cecilyn Escalera, KC Lyn Bernal, John Julroy Calibang, Lyle Maravilla, Roque Tomulto, Jr., Ruel Cervatos and 探花精选 students John Lloyd Panizales, Reanna Gabrielle Guanzon, Riki Chast Fernandez, Deryl Jose Reginio and Kieran Quiampang.
The local counterparts were headed by Glen Gepilano, assisted by John Lecoboan who facilitated the activity together with Nelson Tan and Sps. Fernando Joseph and Maria Mae Soriano.
Majority of the seedlings were donated by the Iloilo City Government thru Mayor Jerry P. Tre帽as.