Fruits of the Trees

by Sem Jules R. Bonje 

Last October 21, 2013, We, The Fr. Angelo Pasa Community had our tree planting in Bakhita-Canossa Farm  at Palacapao, Quezon Bukidnon and it was a day to be remembered.

It was a good day for us and the weather was one with us in our activity. We started the day with a mass presided by Fr. Fermin Leoveras with the intention of the success of our tree planting activity.  After our breakfast, Fr. Fermin made an introduction and overview about the farm with its history and the people managing there and Bro. Julius Tumayao presented the activity program. We grouped ourselves into three with five members and were assigned in different areas. We planted Rubber Tree, Pomelo, Marang, Mangosteen and Rambutan. It was tiring day but was really a fruit of labor for us.

As I reflect from this activity I felt that giving importance and care for our environment and nature, as well as being charitable to the marginalized people. Though it was a simple act of planting trees, but it will contribute a lot in the prevention of soil erosion in the mountain part of our vicinity and in helping to absorb the water which helps in preventing floods. Through this activity we hope that we may able to inspire other people to do simple things but would be a great contribution in preserving our nature. I can imagine if all the people would have the desire of giving care to our environment like planting a tree planting, this help might lessen the cause of calamities. I felt upon doing this activity there were values that I was able to put into practice like humility and love for nature, that by planting trees we will be able to be part of restoring our environment. 

"It was indeed a humbling experience to plant trees, that it made me feel that I am being one with the nature and in the future as it grows these seeds will give more through the abundance of its fruits."