TREE PLANTING MARKS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2024 AT CAPSU BURIAS 

by Abegail Q. Lema and Analiza A. Naerga

Various student organizations, faculty and staff members, graduating students, and SK Officials plant different plant species to answer the need for reforestation and highlight its importance in ensuring environmental sustainability.  

Photo Credits: CAPSU BURIAS CCM - Green Club

    Instilling a sense of responsibility and connection to nature among students, promoting awareness of environmental issues and the importance of sustainability, and recognizing the urgent need for reforestation, CAPSU Burias held a tree planting activity on June 7 in celebration of World Environment Day 2024 with the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” which the Climate Change Management Office – Good, Responsible and Extraordinary Eco-warrior of Nature Club (CCMO – GREEN Club) and Advocate Leaders of Science Association (ALSA) spearheaded.

    CCMO – GREEN Club Officers, ALSA Officers, 4th Year Graduating Students, Faculty and Staff, as well as Sangguniang Kabataan Officials, and collaborating student organizations, including DRRM CARES and CAPSU Burias CRCYC planted 1,500 seedlings, including a variety of plant species such as Narra, Kamagong, Cacao, Balitbitan, and Acacia provided by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) Capiz.

    For Sigfred EJ P. Ponce, GREEN Club Secretary and one of the participants in the tree planting activity, “Students are the agents of change. By participating in environmental activities such as tree planting, we can raise awareness of ecological issues and promote collective action that can influence decisions and inspire changes within and outside the school.”

    Beyond being a requirement for graduating students to leave an environmental legacy as they step down from their alma mater, the tree planting activity sought to contribute to the preservation of the environment for future generations and was a step towards developing a sense of care and responsibility.

“After planting seedlings, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment because I was able to contribute to a sustainable future. As a graduating student, this activity also made me experience a deep connection to my school, knowing that I left a lasting, positive impact on the school environment,” Jenevi Z. Pelayo, a 4th year BSEd Science student, expressed.

    The day's activities commenced with an opening program held in front of the Administration Building with Dr. Rodyard B. Madiclum, Campus Administrator, delivering an opening message, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of tree planting and the power of community action in creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

    On the other hand, Dr. Ma. Venus B. Lozada, Co-Adviser of GREEN Club ALSA, provided the overview of the event, emphasizing the vital role of trees in environmental sustainability.

    Then, Dr. Maria Luisa S. Samino, HRMO 1 and Licensed Forester, conducted a planting demonstration, followed by important reminders from Dr. Jejomar L. Fariñas, CCMO Chair and GREEN Club Adviser, and a safety briefing led by Wendy Eunice P. Duntog, DRRM CARES President.

    “As a student in the field of science and, at the same time, the president of the GREEN Club, I hope that this kind of activity inspires my fellow students to take action for environmental sustainability and lead the creation of a culture of ecological responsibility within the school. This tree planting activity sets a precedent for future initiatives, encouraging wider community engagement and conservation efforts as well,” Catherine V. Adaniel, GREEN Club President, stated when asked about her hopes the activity will have for the school community and local environment.

 CAPSU LEADERSHIP TRAINING FORTIFY STUDENT-LEADERS 

by Nomer S. Narciso Jr.

Four student-leaders from CAPSU Burias partake in the FSSC and FFLP Leadership Training 2024, together with their advisers.

    From May 29 to 31, 2024, the Federation of Supreme Student Council (FSSC) and the Federation of Future Leaders of the Philippines (FFLP) of Capiz State University organized a leadership training event at San Antonio Resort, Baybay, Roxas City, with a theme of “ONE CAPSU, UNITING LEADERS, IGNITING PURPOSE,” bringing together student-leaders from the different CAPSU campuses and satellite colleges to promote unity and enhance leadership skills.

    Jewwelly Hansel Joy B. Degoma, outgoing SSC President; Kristine Jill F. Llegue, incoming SSC President; Kierlo O. Tencio, outgoing FLP Burias Chapter President; and Joemari M. Candido, incoming FLP Burias Chapter President, together with Prof. Ne-an E. Loro, SSC Adviser; Prof. Joan Rae L. Lantoria, FLP Burias Chapter Adviser; and Dr. Jejomar L. Farinas, participated and represented CAPSU Burias in the said pursuit.

    "The FSSC and FFLP Leadership Training 2024 was significant in fostering essential leadership skills such as communication, teamwork, problem- solving, and decision-making. We explored strategies for motivating and inspiring others, emphasizing the importance of these skills in uniting peers and colleagues toward common goals," Llegue stated to highlight the event's significance in enhancing leadership capabilities among student-leaders.

    One of the main goals of the event is to motivate participants to discover and activate their sense of purpose, ultimately emerging them to create significant influence in their communities and beyond through carrying out three core plenary sessions: (1) Knowing Your Purpose, which encouraged self-reflection and purposeful leadership, (2) Managing Stress, Balancing Academics, and Leadership, which provided practical advice on time management and well- being, and (3) Resolution and Communication Letter Making, which focused on developing essential communication skills. 

    "As I strive for the betterment of the student body, I believe that this training will serve as a training ground to help improve the current state of the studentry and the University," Tencio expressed.

    The event wrapped up with a team-building activity that enhanced teamwork, a sense of working together among the young leaders, supporting them in creating a stronger and more united leadership community in CAPSU and getting ready to apply the new skills and knowledge acquired during the training.

"During the FSSC and FFLP Leadership Training 2024, I had a fantastic and enriching experience. Meeting my co-presidents from various campuses and satellite colleges was a pleasure, making the training both enjoyable and insightful," Llegue further shared.

    Moreover, Llegue got elected as Assistant Secretary in the election for the Federation of Supreme Student Council (FSSC), along with other officers from the different campuses and satellite colleges.