Grow-a-Tree Project Orientation

Nearly 1800 senior students of General Santos City High School attended the Grow-a-Tree Orientation at the Taiwan Hall last September 10, 2008.

 The orientation was made possible through the joint effort of CENRO (City Environment and Natural Resources Office), YES-O (Youth for the Environment in School’s Organization), CAT (Citizenship Advancement Training), 4th Year Curriculum, SSG (Supreme Student Government), Barangay Fatima and Barangay Calumpang.

 The activity was attended by CENRO representatives namely Supervisor of Barangay Nuresery Program Ronald Mercado, Chairman on Environment and Beautification Kagawad Cesar M. Veniegas, Program Coordinator of Intergarted Social Forestry and Watershed Management Program Bernie D. Portes and Community Organizer Solid waste Coastal Resource Management Edric Tuclaud and Adonis M. Gonzales, whom were all welcomed by Mrs. Estrelieta Tenizo and Mrs. Josephine Castillo.

 The program started with Estrelieta Tenizo Ed.D., Science and Technology Department Head, giving a speech on how ecstatic she feels about the program. “Not only will the students benefit from this activity but the whole city of General Santos as well,” she said.

 She was then followed by Josephine Castillo, 4th Year curriculum Head, who gave her sentiments that the fourth year students now have something worthwhile to do and that she expects every student’s full attention and participation to this program.

 Shortly afterwards, the orientation commenced headed off by Portes, who explained to the senior students the current situation and problems faced by the environment in detail. One detail he gave emphasis was the Greenhouse Effect to ensure that students not take the matter offhandedly.

 On the other hand, Veniegas explained the weight of the tree planting activity. “Planting trees are like adding lungs to the earth. Continuing its breathing benefits not only our generation, but for the future ones the most,” stated Veniegas.

 After the project orientation, Mercado began the Waste Management Orientation by stating that in every CENRO orientation, waste management is always given for the reason that it is not applied fully by the students. He also tackled the responsibilities of both the CENRO and the students in the project. He was followed by Gonzales who explained proper care and maintenance of the plants.

 Before ending the program, a question-and-answer portion was held for the students wherein the seniors inquired details overlooked by the representatives. To finish the event, a surprise hair cut inspection for the male students started.