Believing that we are stewards of Mother Earth and that trees can provide rehabilitation for this planet facing significant environmental challenges, the men and women of the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) headed by its President, Pr. Danielo Palomares participated in the union-wide "Plant a Tree, Grow a Future" Tree-Growing Initiative on June 22, involving five missions, one college, and a hospital.
Involving 2,153 churches and companies scattered across 219 districts, with the support of Adventist Hospital Davao (AHD) and South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC) under five mission fields in the territory, believers from all walks of life took their shovels, trowels, working apparel, water bottles, and seedlings provided by local government units (LGUs) and nature-loving donors. The pre-determined venue was chosen by the stewardship coordinator of the church or district and the partner LGU or seedling provider—most often the local agriculture or environmental office.
Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM), comprising South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces, selected several tree-planting sites involving 1,131 eco-warriors from 90 churches and planted 2,376 saplings. Notably, the City Government of General Santos sent personnel to dig the holes or tree pits for the activity.
South Central Mindanao Mission (SCMM), which covers the provinces of Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and the two Maguindanao provinces, planted a total of 4,251 seedlings. A total of 1,440 nature-loving volunteers from 131 churches joined in renewed efforts in conservation, reforestation, and sustainable development, aiming to restore balance and resilience to our ailing planet.
Youth and adults from Southeastern Caraga Mission (SeCM) mobilized 3,000 nature-loving individuals from 265 churches across Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur, lodging 2,635 seedlings into the ground. They envision restored forests, cooler rivers, cleaner air, and a legacy that shelters generations.
With every sapling they placed upon the earth, Davao Mission (DM) saw more than just a tree. With the dedication of 1,156 God-fearing volunteers from 41 churches hailing from Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, and its three cities, they buried 4,520 seedlings in the ground—believing that it is all about reviving creation, strengthening community, and living out our calling as stewards of the earth.
The Northern Davao Mission (NDM), which comprises members from three cities and the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Davao de Oro, planted 8,364 forest trees and mangrove propagules along the seashores. A total of 2,058 eco-warriors from 256 churches joined the event, led by 50 pastors. All of them believe that this movement will help mitigate rising global temperatures, which contribute to more frequent and intense heat waves, wildfires, and extreme weather events.
On another note, South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC) sent 30 volunteers to plant 100 seedlings in a suitable venue for reforestation.
SePUM Stewardship Department, with Pr. Dante Dabucol, as its Director and activity organizer, had the support of all directors and administrators from all levels and mission fields. They believe that "the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." (Genesis 2:15). This verse is foundational; it shows that from the beginning, humanity was given the responsibility to tend and protect the earth. For this reason, the entire workforce of the union headquarters planted 65 Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) plantlets along Tacunan Creek, which were provided by the City Agriculture Office.
To end this account, let us ponder over the advice of Mrs. Ellen G. White, an American author whose writings guided the church over the years: "By caring for the environment, we're not just protecting pristine landscapes, we're showing love for our fellow human beings, especially the most vulnerable. Ultimately, environmental stewardship becomes an expression of respect for God's creation, which includes all humanity." Counsels on Social Issues, Counsels on Youth, 101.2.
