Demonstrating its continuing commitment to environmental stewardship, volunteerism, and community engagement, the Holy Cross of Davao College (#HCDC) participated in the Reef-to-Ridge: Tree Growing Activity and Read-Aloud Activity in Monkayo, Davao de Oro. The initiative was spearheaded by Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) and brought together various sectors in a collective effort to promote environmental sustainability and community development.
The HCDC delegation, composed of students, alumni, teaching personnel, and non-teaching personnel, joined Ayala employee volunteers and members of the Basakawa People’s Cooperative in the tree-growing activity at the Monkayo-Pag-asa Carbon Forest, Barangay Banlag, Monkayo, Davao de Oro.
Prior to the planting activity, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) facilitated an environmental orientation that provided participants with valuable insights into the ecological significance of the forest, the importance of native tree species, and the role of forest restoration in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection. The session also emphasized the broader significance of the tree-growing initiative, allowing volunteers to better understand how their participation contributes to long-term environmental conservation.
Guided by this ecological perspective, the volunteers collectively planted 250 native tree seedlings, including antipolo, narra, and tugas. The use of native species supports forest rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and the restoration of ecological functions within the area. More than the number of seedlings planted, the activity emphasized the importance of sustained stewardship to ensure that restoration efforts contribute to a healthy and resilient forest ecosystem.
Following the tree-growing activity, the engagement extended from environmental stewardship to educational service as the HCDC team led a Read-Aloud Activity at Banlag Elementary School. The activity engaged learners from preschool to Grade 6 through age-appropriate stories focusing on good values, positive character formation, and responsible behavior.
Through interactive storytelling, HCDC volunteers created a meaningful learning experience that encouraged young learners to reflect on values essential to their personal and social development. The activity demonstrated that community engagement can address multiple dimensions of development by connecting care for the environment with the formation and empowerment of young people.
HCDC’s participation in the Reef-to-Ridge initiative reflects a whole-institution approach to social responsibility, bringing together students, alumni, and employees in meaningful volunteer engagement. It also highlights the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships among educational institutions, foundations, environmental organizations, people’s organizations, and local communities in advancing sustainable and community-centered development.
Through initiatives such as these, HCDC continues to translate faith into action, strengthening a culture of environmental stewardship, volunteerism, solidarity, and shared responsibility for both people and the planet.
HCDC’s participation contributes to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (#SDGs), particularly #SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), #SDG11 (Sustainble Cities and Communities), #SDG13 (Climate Action), #SDG15 (Life on Land), and #SDG17 (Partnership for the Goals).