Ateneo de Cebu launches Blue Tree project

The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu recently launched its Blue Tree project during an ecological Mass with the unveiling of a marker in the school campus.

The project, initiated with Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), is the school’s “green” investment for the environment’s future.

It aims to maintain urban landscapes’ health and appearance.

The school linked with RAFI’s Generation Redemption and Expansion of Natural resources Initiatives in the Philippines (GREENIN Philippines) program.

A native tree nursery, satellite nursery of the RAFI Native Trees Nursery, was installed in the school campus.

RAFI will provide lectures and demonstrations to the students about the proper planting and caring of seeds while local government units will identify locations for tree planting.

Students will fund the project.

“The Blue Tree project will showcase the school’s concern for the environment and hopefully catch the interest of the Jesuit community throughout the country,” said Fr. Sigmund de Guzman, campus ministry director.

School president Fr. Manuel Uy, Dr. Robert Gallardo of the Department of Education-Mandaue City Division and GREENIN Philippines program coordinator Neil Papas turned over bitanghol seedlings to the representatives of the departments of the school and to the Student Council president Niño Cardenas, who represented the student body.

The ceremony symbolized the responsibility of individuals to nurture seedlings until they grow and become trees.

For more information on the project, call Fr. De Guzman at 345-4378. For inquiries on GREENIN Philippines program, contact Neil Papas at 418-7234 or visit www.rafi.org.ph.