Forest of Hope Begun
Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J.

I would like to thank the 250+-strong army of AdNU volunteers who trooped to Pacol last Saturday to contribute to planting our Forest of Hope!  They came from groups of students, faculty, staff and administrators!  They came in colorful T-shirts, shorts, jeans – with all manner of headgear and instruments for planting (including, shovels, kitchen knives and scissors)!

After a prayer for God’s blessings on the project and brief words of welcome, Dr. Emelina Regis briefed the volunteers on how to replant the narra, mahogany and acacia saplings.  The trees were color coded and to be replanted in prepared holes marked with flaglets of the tree’s color.

When the signal was given, the volunteers worked alone, or in teams, some carrying trees, some filling in holes with trowels, shovels, or bare hands, some bearing water, all greeting one another, encouraging and helping one another, smiling, and having a good time!

Within two hours, before the merienda of pancit lomi and flavored tea, over 1,700 trees (of a targeted 4,200!) were planted.

To all  who made this a memorable day in the context of our 70th Foundation Anniversary, Dios mabalos po! 

When the trees are grown,  let us picnic in their shade.   And remember this happy day!