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Over 60 Adventist youth from the Central Visayan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists participated in the mangrove planting activity at the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City.

The mangrove planting activity, held on July 25, 2025, was part of the launch of the "256K Trees Project" spearheaded by Cebu City Mayor Nestor D. Archival. It aimed to bolster the city's green cover, combat climate change, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote biodiversity.

The initiative also supported the "International Day for the Conservation of Mangroves," recognizing the vital role these coastal ecosystems play in environmental protection and community resilience.

In Mayor Archival's social media post about the mangrove planting, several netizens expressed joy at the project. A certain Ligaya Britiania commented, "I would like to thank Mayor Nestor Archival kay sa kadaghan dapat itanum, iyang gipili ang mangrove (bakhaw). (I would like to thank Mayor Nestor Archival for choosing mangroves among the many other plant options available.)

Britania stated that the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office would be extremely proud of the mayor's initiative, particularly the "EERT River Troopers" for acknowledging the importance of the mangroves.

On the other hand, the CVC Youth Department, led by Pastor Harold Hallasgo, happily accepted the invitation to join the collaborative effort alongside other stakeholders and private entities. By participating in the event, the Adventist youth showed their commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Nestro Pilapil, a registered nurse from the Adventist Hospital-Cebu, shared his thoughts and expressed gratitude for being part of the initiative.

"It's truly a source of immense pride that the government acknowledges the values of Seventh-day Adventists, particularly in how we promote health, contribute to environmental well-being, and embody our spirit of volunteerism as part of our ministry. They know that we are always eager to act whenever we can be of help," Pilapil said.

He was one of the over 500 volunteers from various organizations, including Adventist youth, who participated in the actual planting of propagules along the SRP coastline fronting Cogon, Pardo.

For many volunteers, each tree planted symbolized a personal touch and a living legacy, contributing to a healthier and more resilient environment for future generations.

"It was fun and memorable to be there, but what made me happier was the deeper significance of our involvement," another Adventist volunteer shared.

During the event, officials from Cebu City Government facilitated the collective signing of a letter of undertaking, solidifying each sector's commitment to the tree-planting goals.

Furthermore, the event served as a powerful reminder of the collective impact that can be achieved when communities unite for a common environmental cause.

By Deomar D. Macabugwas, Capitol Center SDA Church