Surigao del Norte, July 2, 2021- To raise awareness on the importance of trees to people and their vital role in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability, and food security, the Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology (SNCAT) Faculty and Staff headed by the College Administrator II, Ms. Abegail B. Eupeña conducted tree planting activity nearby mini-organic area of the institution.

This activity is in line with the directives of our TESDA Director General Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, Ph.D., CSEE to prioritize agriculture and to maximize engagement of the community to agriculture thus, ensure food security amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise, this forms part in the implementation of Resource Based Production (RBP) for Resource Based Training (RBT) as one of the directives of our TESDA Caraga Regional Director, Tarhata S. Mapandi.

Around 1, 300 seedlings of Cacao and Dragon Fruit will be planted in the said area. Early as of today, the Faculty and Staff had planted ¼ of the total number of seedlings right after the demonstration and briefing of the experts in Farm Services Division.

This undertaking is inclusive in the promotion of SNCAT Agri-Ecotourism destination funded out from our Sariling Sikap Program (SSP) Funds from the scholarship allocation savings and Income Generating Project (IGP) of the school.

Soon these trees will grow tall, bear fruit, give shade and generate additional income for the school. Aside from the fact that “Planting more trees helps to maintain healthy soils and humidity levels in the air around the world. It begins when trees regulate the water cycle. Trees absorb air and transpire it back into the atmosphere, effectively filtering and controlling the levels of humidity wherever they are. (Altruistic Traveller.com)

Indeed, doing green jobs such as planting is one of the most engaging health and wellness therapy.