In celebration of the 124th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary and Linggo ng Malasakit, Biliran Province State University employees and students participated in the Tree Growing for a Cause event on September 18 in Brgy. Villaconsuelo, Naval, Biliran.

Themed "Malasakit sa Kalikasan, Malasakit sa Lingkod Bayan," the initiative, led by the Civil Service Commission Biliran Provincial Office in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), emphasized environmental care and public service — key values upheld by the university.

At least 100 participants from BiPSU attended the said event composed of 42 employees and 58 students from the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA). Among the attendees were Dr. Vennie G. Coton, faculty regent and acting dean of the School of Criminal Justice Education, and Aramae Bernal, the university's HRMO.

Engr. Valire Jess D. Abar, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer (PENRO) provided instructions on the proper handling and planting of seedlings. Engr. Abar also emphasized the importance of proper spacing, depth, and soil preparation to ensure the healthy growth of the trees. 

In his message, CSC Supervising Human Resource Specialist,  Atty. Benjie M. Gelizon thanked BiPSU President, Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. for sending the highest number of participants. “The Php250.00 registration fee will go to the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani program of the Civil Service Commission.” 

He explained that the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani program recognizes public servants who died during the performance of their respective functions, duties, and responsibilities as government employees. 

Other government agencies also joined the event, including the Provincial Government Office, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Naval Water District, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Local Government Unit of Naval.

“Participating in activities like this, we are not only contributing to the protection of our environment but also sharing the spirit of unity and shared responsibility especially that BiPSU is committed to environmental stewardship,” said HRMO Bernal in an interview. 

Said tree-growing activity was part of the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability, showing its dedication to integrating social responsibility into public service. The early morning event also highlighted the importance of  promoting both nature conservation and civic engagement.

(This article aligns with SDG 13 on Climate Action and SDG 15 on Life on Land. The tree planting initiative contributes to climate action by strengthening environmental sustainability and combating climate change through reforestation. It also supports life on land by promoting the restoration and conservation of terrestrial ecosystems.)