16/11/2025
๐๐๐๐ใฃ๐๐๐๐ฟ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ช๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐๐ค๐ค๐ก ๐ผ๐ก๐ช๐ข๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ช๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐จ ๐
๐ค๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐จ ๐๐ค๐ง ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ง๐ค๐ซ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ฎ ๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐๐ฉ๐ค๐ฃ
The St. Paul University Dumaguete (SPUD) Graduate School launched โDUYOG: Roots Reunitedโ on October 25, 2025, in Siit, Siaton, Negros Oriental, as part of the Universityโs 121st Foundation Day celebration. The activity served as a meaningful alumni homecoming that brought together graduates and current students through an environmental stewardship initiative, mangrove planting. This undertaking aimed to strengthen community engagement and social responsibility through alumni-driven service projects.
Graduate School alumni and students convened early at the SPUD Ball Field, where they assembled prior to departing at 8:30 a.m. for the nearly one-and-a-half-hour trip to Siit, Siaton, via the Diversion Road. Upon arrival, participants waited for approximately 15 minutes for the second vehicle transporting mangrove seedlings before proceeding to the designated planting site.
The event was facilitated by Dr. Tichie Ann Baena, Dean of the Graduate School; Dr.Ayeza Catherina Tinagan, Dr. Cherryl Largo, Program Chairs; and Dr. Alexander Baena, Graduate School faculty member. Despite the rugged, rocky, muddy, and winding terrain, participants embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, with some likening the journey to โ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ง๐ค๐๐ ๐ก๐๐จ๐จ ๐ฉ๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐ก๐๐,โ a reference to Robert Frostโs renowned poem. Fortunately, the weather was favorable, with bright sunshine accompanying the group throughout the day. Upon reaching the site, Dr. Alexander Baena gathered the participants into a large circle and led the opening prayer, formally commencing the program. He explained the purpose of the initiative, emphasizing that the planting of mangrove trees contributes to the protection of coastal communities against flooding and erosion. This was followed by a lecture delivered by Mr. Lary Mari, DPA student, who is also an employee of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The talk focused on the ecological significance of mangroves, proper planting techniques, and the importance of waste management in preserving marine ecosystems.
Participants subsequently dispersed across the area to plant the seedlings. Although the task proved physically demanding, it was both rewarding and fulfilling. The participants expressed collective joy in contributing to an activity that embodied environmental care and social responsibility.
Following the planting activity, the Graduate School hosted a fellowship meal featuring lechon, shrimp, pancit bihon, fried chicken, oranges, watermelon, and refreshments. The meal served as both a celebration and an expression of gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and camaraderie as participants shared stories and took photographs to commemorate the day. Before the formal conclusion of the program, participants gathered once more for a closing prayer, during which the Dean requested that everyone hold handsโa solemn gesture symbolizing unity and gratitude.
The event concluded with the distribution of Certificates of Recognition, acknowledging the invaluable efforts and participation of all attendees. As the day ended, some participants returned via the scenic trail, while others opted for a brief โฑ30 boat ride back to the main road, concluding the event on a pleasant and reflective note. Indeed, โ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ข๐: ๐ฅ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฑโ ๐๐ฟ๐๐น๐ ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ฝ ๐๐ผ ๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ, โ๐๐ฒ๐โ๐ ๐ด๐ฟ๐ผ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ด๐ฒ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฎ๐ถ๐ปโ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐บ๐ฒ๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐.โ The event not only rekindled connections among alumni and students but also reaffirmed SPUDโs unwavering commitment to environmental advocacy, community service, and the Pauline mission of stewardship of creation.
๐๐ข๐ Francis Niel Salimbagat ๐๐ก๐จ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ฒ: Aela Marie Valencia and Julius Dicen
