Nurture Nature

January 21, 2023, the SOS Practitioners of St. Joseph Parish led by Fr. Bong Dublan went to Tawan-Tawan, Calinan, Davao City to perform one of the commitments in 7 Areas of God’s Gift which is love of creation, the Tree Planting/caring activity.

On the site a Brief Orientation was given by Mr. Charleo Modequillo, Coordinator of the Archdiocesan Desk for the Care of Creation.

He said that this is the biggest group, since in the previous tree planting of two parishes, it did not reach 50, it was only 47 but the group of St. Joseph Parish has 80 tree planters so he urged to let it be known to other parishes so that they can also be challenged in the future to increase the number of people who will participate in tree planting and caring.

He also informed the group that planting trees help save Davao City Water Shed and restore Biodiversity of God’s creation: the different plants, animals, birds, micro-organisms.

Father Bong offered a prayer rite prior to start of caring and tree planting. In caring the planted trees, they form a Human water relay to make it easier in watering the plants.

SOS Practitioners planted 147 seedlings. Mr. Stephen Matondo, 74 years old who lives in Barangay Sumpitan, Tawan-Tawan Baguio District, who is one of the caretakers of the area where SOS Practitioners planted the seedlings. He is happy that his seedlings were sold because it will help him in his livelihood.

Fr. Bong together with the SOS Practitioners gave food packs to the 17 Bantay Bukid members in the area.

Stewardship is indeed a response to God’s generosity, it is a way of life. (Emy Gamorot)