Date: September 18, 2024
Venue: Aurora Campus, Quezon
Partner: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2
On September 18, 2024, Aldersgate College Inc. (ACI), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2, hosted a remarkable Simultaneous Bamboo Planting event at the Aurora Campus in Quezon. This event is a reflection of ACI’s deep commitment to environmental sustainability, community development, and climate action.
The event brought together ACI’s leaders, faculty, staff, and students, including enthusiastic participation from the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Spearheaded by the Research and Development and Entrepreneurship (RDE) department, under the leadership of Dr. Cesar T. Medula Jr., Vice President for Research and Development and Entrepreneurship (VPRDE), and strongly supported by ACI’s top administration, the initiative focused on planting 350 bamboo propagules across the campus, symbolizing a step toward a greener and more resilient future.
The event was graced by the presence of Rev. Micah Ryan B. Ramel, Ph.D., LPT, ACI’s College President, who reiterated the institution’s commitment to promoting sustainability initiatives that benefit both the environment and the community. Additionally, Sir Silvester T. Miguel, a representative from DTI Region 2, actively participated, further emphasizing the collaborative effort between ACI and DTI to drive meaningful environmental change.
Objectives of Simultaneous Bamboo Planting 2024
The Simultaneous Bamboo Planting was designed with key objectives that highlight the initiative’s broad impact on both environmental sustainability and economic development:
- Strengthening the Supply of Quality Bamboo:
By planting 350 bamboo propagules, the project helps secure a sustainable supply of bamboo, which is crucial for industries such as construction, furniture-making, and environmental restoration. This ensures that local industries have access to quality raw materials, promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth in the region.
- Combating Climate Change:
Bamboo’s unique properties make it an effective carbon sink, capable of absorbing up to five times more carbon dioxide than similar plant species, while producing 35% more oxygen. This planting initiative contributes to carbon sequestration, improving air quality and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community, directly addressing the global challenge of climate change.
- Establishing Strategic Bamboo Nurseries:
The project focuses on planting bamboo in vulnerable areas, such as watersheds, flood-prone zones, and marginalized lands. By targeting these regions, the initiative aims to bolster environmental resilience, reduce the risk of floods and landslides, and protect local communities from natural disasters.
ACI’s Path Toward a Sustainable Future
The Simultaneous Bamboo Planting 2024 represents a significant milestone in ACI’s ongoing efforts to champion sustainable development and community empowerment. With the leadership of Rev. Micah Ryan B. Ramel and the collaboration of DTI Region 2, this initiative not only promotes environmental health but also strengthens local industries that depend on bamboo as a sustainable resource.
As the bamboo grows and thrives, it will stand as a symbol of ACI’s commitment to creating a greener, more resilient future for the community, while also fostering economic opportunities and addressing pressing environmental challenges.