Let’s Paint the Campus Green: Enderun’s First Tree-Planting Activity

by Jesmaria Sadullo · September 14, 2016

First Fruit-Tree Planting Activity of Enderun Colleges at the courtyard of CA Building (Photo by Jesmaria Sadullo)

In an effort towards achieving a ‘green’ and sustainable environment, Enderun Colleges held its first fruit-tree planting activity on-campus last August 23, 2016. The event was spearheaded by CARE, a co-curricular organization formed by the students of the newly launched BS Sustainability program. CARE or Community that spreads Awareness and Respect for the Environment aims to promote environmental consciousness among students of Enderun Colleges through green projects and initiatives. Its vision is “to produce environmentally responsible leaders who will take part in making their surroundings greener in a sustainable manner.” The organization also plans on introducing a trash segregation system, installing recycling bins around campus and creating a rooftop garden, for the remainder of the semester.

Present in the event are the two directors of the Sustainability Department, Mr. Bryan McClelland and Mr. Macky Maceda, as well as professors, students and employees who volunteered to take part in the said activity.

Mr. Macky Maceda and Mr. Bryan McClelland, co-directors of the Sustainability Department (Photo by Adj Regidor)

“The best time to plant these trees is before you were born; the next best time is now,” says McClelland, addressing the participants encircled before him. He finished his message by saying, “When it comes to doing something great, don’t be afraid to step out on a limb, because out on a limb is where the fruits are.”

After the opening remarks, the participants clustered into small groups and distributed themselves among the areas where the seedlings would be planted.

In total, there were 26 calamansi seedlings, 11 lansones seedlings and 9 rambutan seedlings. In the future, the fruits can be used by the kitchen department and can also be consumed by faculties, students and employees. CARE members, together with everyone who participated, will be responsible for taking care of the seedlings.

For extra nutrients, coffee ground is added atop the soil (Photo by Jesmaria Sadullo)

Patricia Valencia, President of CARE, shared her thoughts about the event. “Everything went smoothly, even the weather cooperated.” While planting the seedlings, she reckoned, “All I could think of is I’m leaving a legacy by planting a tree. It may take a long while before I get to see the fruits of this tree, but as early as now, I take pride in knowing that I’ve done something.”

Patricia, or “Pat” to her friends, is a 2^nd year BS Entrepreneurship student. At an early age, she was exposed to gardening, a hobby of her father. She also learned how to compost.

At the end of the activity, everyone with their muddy hands and sweaty foreheads was all smiles, thankful for the opportunity to have done something good for the environment in their own little way. And as though a response from nature, shortly after, the rain poured.