From May 17 to 31, 2025, graduating college and graduate students at Divine Word College of Calapan (DWCC) planted native trees on the school’s farm in Gloria town, Oriental Mindoro province, Philippines.
Guided by a directive of DWCC President Fr. Renato A. Tampol, SVD, PhD, which said, “No Tree Planting, No Graduation,” the planting is in support of “Isang Milyong Punla Para sa Inang Kalikasan” (One Million Seedlings for Mother Nature).
According to its website, the DWCC is a private Catholic basic and higher education institution run by the Philippine Central Province of the Society of the Divine Word in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. It was established by the Divine Word Missionaries in April 1946 and was then called Mindoro Junior College until January 1981. The academic programs offered in its first year of operation were normal education, liberal arts, and pre-law, including short-term courses in typing and stenography (July 1, 1946).
Representing a 98.6% participation rate, 427 graduating college and graduate students of the DWCC for the academic year 2024–2025 took part in a four-weekend series of tree-planting activities in Barangay (village) Narra in Gloria town.
This policy reflects the institution’s commitment to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ (Care for Our Common Home) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), said a statement.
“Organized by the Community Extension Services (CES) Office, the activity aimed to promote reforestation, environmental stewardship, and sustainability through the planting of native and fruit-bearing trees,” said DWCC.
The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Socorro town provided native tree seedlings.
“This is far more than a graduation requirement—a calling rooted in stewardship. Our graduates leave not only with knowledge but with a purposeful legacy: a living contribution to the care and future of our planet,” said Fr. Tampol.
“Our contribution to the healing of the Earth. It may be a small act, but it is impactful,” said Fr. Ross Heruela, CES director.
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