MAINTAINING THE COMMITMENT towards a “greener future,” the San Beda College Alumni Foundation (SBCAF), together with the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Student Council (SC), San Beda Junior Marketing Association (SBJMA), and Kapisanang Agham ng San Beda (KASB), held a seminar titled, “The Role of Native Trees in Building a Laudato Si’ Community” last October 22 at the Pamanang Bedista.
The discussion took place in line with the celebration of the first anniversary since San Beda University (SBU) became a Laudato Si’ University last October 4.
To kickstart the seminar, Mr. Jershon Verejano Pagilagan, founder of Luntiang Pamana and Elatostema Philippines, led a discussion on “The Social Consciousness of Planting Native Trees,” where he outlined the “importance of native trees, their current conditions, and ways we can take action to preserve and promote the practice.”
Afterwards, Prof. Axel Arriola, Ph.D, Chairperson of the University of the East (UE) Natural Sciences Department, tackled the “role of these native plants in environmental sustainability,” including the research aspect, varieties, and revisions of ecological studies.
For the final speaker, Mr. Adrian Romero, Course Facilitator of the University of Santo Tomas’ (UST) National Service Training Program (NSTP), delved into the “best practices and projects” in line with the Laudato Si’ mandate.
“I think San Beda University can contribute to the preservation of Katutubong Puno by actively participating in environmental activities such as tree planting,” Mr. Pagilagan shared in an interview with The Bedan.
He also acknowledged the “increasing environmental awareness” among Bedan students, noting that events like these serve as an “eye-opening activity” that inspires individuals to engage with environmental issues. Regardless, he encouraged the Bedan community to go beyond the initial steps for greater environmental conservation, saying “It’s a good start, but you can do more.”
Amir Hussin, SC Vice President for Internal Affairs and SBCAF scholar, shared similar sentiments, praising the Bedan community’s involvement, particularly through initiatives like the Katutubong Puno Program, which he described as a “crucial step forward.”
Moreover, he evaluated the event as a “success,” emphasizing its alignment with SBU’s commitment to the Benedictine hallmarks and the global call for ecological reforestation under the Laudato Si’ encyclical. As such, he envisions this project as a “strong reaffirmation” of the Institution’s role in environmental advocacy, with the potential for long-term impact.
As a final word, Hussin called on the Bedan community to “take pride in planting trees native to the Philippines,” reinforcing the idea that “preservation must start from one’s roots.”
“Let’s own this, because these trees are part of our heritage. Let’s start from where we come from,” he highlighted.
(with Samantha Calderon and Prince Piolo Tagarino and reports from Carl Angelo Casilag)