CSU PURSUES 45,000 TREES PROJECT

Cagayan State University under the leadership of OIC President Arthur G. Ibanez has embarked on an aggressive project to plant 45,000 trees across its 9 different campuses. This initiative, known as the 45000 Trees Project, aims to promote environmental sustainability and contribute to the greening efforts of the Philippine government. President Ibanez has delegated the responsibility of overseeing the tree planting activities to the Campus Executive Officers, with a target of 5,000 trees to be planted per campus.

The Office of the Vice Presidents at CSU has also been tasked with participating in the project by planting 500 seedlings each. According to the OIC, they can have the freedom to choose the campus where they would like to plant their seedlings. The OIC President believes that the involvement of the Vice Presidents, their Directors and staff will allow them to have a sense of ownership and commitment to the initiative. Graduating students, National Service Training Program (NSTP) students, officials, faculty and alumni have been all actively involved in the tree planting activities engaging a large part of the CSU community in this important environmental project.

OIC President Ibanez’s commitment to the 45000 Trees Project is in line with the greening program of the Philippine government and supports the Sustainable Development Goals. The greening program of the Philippine government aims to address environmental degradation, promote sustainable land use and combat climate change. By planting a diverse range of trees including fruit-bearing trees, coffee, narra, ornamental trees, as well as bamboo, CSU campuses are not only contributing to the country’s greening efforts but also enhancing biodiversity and promoting sustainable agriculture.

The timing of the tree planting activities during the rainy season is strategic as optimal conditions for the growth and survival of the newly planted trees are ensured. The CEOs have committed to continuously plant trees across the CSU campuses to demonstrate a long-term commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.

OIC President Ibanez today shared with the Execom Mancom an inspiring story of his personal involvement in planting trees along the road at CSU Carig Campus years back. Accompanied by a campus gardener, the younger Arthur Ibanez took the initiative to plant trees that have now grown and are providing shade for faculty and students at the campus.

This hands-on approach to environmental sustainability exemplifies the OIC President’s commitment to leading by example and actively engaging in initiatives that promote a greener and more sustainable future. By personally advocating tree planting activities and witnessing the positive impact of these efforts firsthand, President Ibanez not only demonstrates his dedication to environmental conservation but also inspires others to take action.

At present, the campuses have planted 13, 041 trees