MIS Accomplishes Tree Planting Mission Two Years in a Row

Mabulitec Integrated School (MIS) has just accomplished its mission of caring for
nature for two consecutive years as it just embarked on a tree-planting spree this time
in Mapita, Aguilar, Pangasinan on the 25th day of June 2022.

The tree planting and clean-up drive of the school came with the theme: “Build Today,
Plant for Tomorrow” which is by one of the national bills that were approved by the
House of Representatives on the third and final readings on August 26, 2020, dubbed
as the “Graduation Legacy for Reforestation Act.”

Also referred to as the House Bill 6931, it is “An act requiring all graduating Senior
High School and College Students to plant two (2) trees each as a civic duty for
environment protection and preservation.”

A year ago MIS initiated a tree-planting endeavor in Brgy. Canan, Malasiqui which was
deemed as very successful and this year’s undertaking seemed to have produced the
same results thanks to the huge lift that was provided by reelected councilor Hon. Tito
Cortez.

This year the school’s tree planting endeavor which is spearheaded by school head,
Dr, Christine M. Paglingayen was participated by Malasiqui District II PSDS, Dr. Neila
U. Ferrer, Master Teacher, Lily L. De Vera, Head Teacher Jovita C. Garan, the 15
Honor students of the Graduating SHS class of 2021-2022 Science Teachers, Grade 6
and 12 Advisers, Barangay Captain Pablo M. Espiritu, PTA President Juanito V.
Salinas, and SGC President Catherine M. De Vera.

The second highest popular choice in the most recent election for Municipal Councilor
in Aguilar, Hon. Tito C, Cortez assisted in the tree planting and clean-up drive and
served as the fitting resource speaker of the program that took place after the tree
planting activity.

The tree planting saw the participants showing their utmost love for the environment
as Ilang-Ilang trees were planted along the road of Daang Katutubo. According to
EsquireMag.ph “[The], Daang Katutubo cuts a path through the rolling hills of
Pangasinan to connect the lands of ethnic groups Kankanaey, Bago, and Ibaloi in
Barangay Mapita.”

Hon. Cortez showed the proper way of planting the tree seedlings and said that these
trees are categorized as “timber” and are cinched to give a very pleasant fragrance
along the highways.

In an earlier appointment and interview with the municipal councillor on May 20,
2022, Hon. Cortez stated that the Daang Katutubo is a haven for protected flora and
fauna, indigenous folks specifically the Mapita Tribal Community, and breathtaking
tourist spots that are now experiencing a boom in tourism that would generate income
for the people and in the municipality as well.

He added that the picturesque 24.22km Daang Katutubo road connects Aguilar to
Mangatarem in Pangasinan and to Sta. Cruz, Zambales.

After the tree planting, the participants were later gathered and feted to Daang
Katutubo Café, a chic place to unwind that is owned by Hon. Cortez and a program
had immediately followed.

A staunch environmentalist, Hon. Cortez graced the program as the distinguished

Resource Speaker. The municipal councilor had stated his humble beginnings, his
exciting stints in Qatar and Saudi Arabia holding executive architect-related positions,
and his great love and passion for the environment over the years.

The accomplished architect said further that the tree planting is so significant since it
would boost further the tourism industry in the municipality and well secure their
environment in the years to come.

Dr. Paglingayen provided an inspirational message to the participants saying that the
mandatory tree planting that the government initiates would translate to 230,000
seedlings planted all across the country. This is indeed a sigh relief for the nation
since many of our mountains have been stripped of its trees no thanks to incessant
deforestation, illegal logging and Kaingin activities.

Other inspirational messages were also provided in the program by Mrs. Lily L. De
Vera, Mrs. Garan, Mr. Salinas and Ma’am De Vera.

Aguilar PSDS, Dr. Rufo F. Dela Cruz, PSDS Dr. Neila U. Ferrer, and Betty O.
Ballesteros were also invited to grace the program.

The Executive Committee of the said activity is composed of Dr. Ferrer, Dr Paglingayen
(Consultant), Mrs. Garan, Mrs. De Vera (Executive Chairman), Dr. Erwin B. Tantay
(Project Chaiman) and Mrs Violeta F. Ferrer (Project Co-Chairman).

Huge thanks to Coun. Cortez, The project’s Executive Committee led by Dr. Ferrer and
Dr. Paglingayen, Gr. 12 graduating learners, school’s partners (PTA and SGC) and the
Mabulitec Barangay Council spearheaded by Hon. Espiritu.-Eugene V. Geminiano