Philippines: Marriage Encounter Buklod I Plant Trees for a Greener Future

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, the encyclical of the late Pope Francis, more than 70 members of the Marriage Encounter Buklod I Community gathered at La Mesa Dam in Quezon City for a tree planting day on June 14.

The theme was “Magtanim ng Pag-asa para sa Kinabukasan ng ating Pamilya” (“Sow seeds of hope for a brighter family future”). 

Spearheaded by the ME Buklod I Laudato Si Committee, the event aimed to deepen participants' connection with nature and faith while engaging couples, youth, and families in caring for creation.

The activity was organized in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Holy Cross Parish in Caloocan City.

The event opened with a prayer from the Laudato Si’ encyclical, followed by a welcome message from Head Servants Mr. Jun and Mrs. Aida Albino. Mr. Albino expressed enthusiasm over the active participation of the youth, stating, “This is more than just planting trees; it is a commitment to the well-being of our planet and a testament to the unity of family and community.”

The DENR provided 300 Molave seedlings (Vitex parviflora) and designated a planting area near the La Mesa Dam.

A DENR officer also conducted an orientation and demonstration on proper tree planting techniques. The participants were grouped into teams with environmental-themed names: Eco Champions, Green Guardians, Forest Rangers, Climate Crusaders, and Wildlife Warriors.

In a show of youthful spirit and commitment, the young participants, children of ME couples and their friends, took a Tree Planting Pledge and later shared their reflections. Many expressed excitement, gratitude, and pride in contributing to environmental sustainability.

This activity follows a youth camp held in May and is part of the broader mission of the Marriage Encounter Buklod I Community to foster strong faith-based family values, renew spousal relationships through dialogue, and promote community service rooted in Catholic social teaching.

ME Buklod I belongs to the North Cluster of the Marriage Encounter Foundation of the Philippines (MEFP) and currently has more than 1,000 members. It operates under the Diocese of Novaliches, an important ecclesiastical territory in the Catholic Church in the Philippines.

As the late Pope Francis wrote in Laudato Si’, care for our common home is a moral and spiritual responsibility, the Marriage Encounter Buklod I community will continue to promote and implement its vision and mission.