In an effort to promote environmental awareness and community involvement, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu City Chapter and the Cebu City Government, under the coordination of Councilor Rey Gealon, hosted the “Good Earth Steward Project 125th Tanum sa Paglaum Mangrove Planting and Clean-Up Drive” on April 22, 2024, Earth Day.
The event, held at Riverside SRP Tower in Barangay Mambaling, drew over 150 personnel and volunteers from various military, law enforcement, and civic organizations.
These included the AFP Visayas Command led by Commodore Oscar D. Canlas Jr., Joint Task Group Cebu, 53rd Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army, and regional offices of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
Key participants also included local government units, legal and law enforcement communities, such as the Cebu City Jail personnel, Cebu City Police Office, and representatives from the University of San Carlos School of Law and Governance.
The collaborative effort focused on mangrove planting and a cleanup drive, demonstrating a strong community commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. The initiative aims to foster a sense of stewardship among residents and highlight the importance of proactive environmental actions in urban areas.
Leading the environmental initiative, Colonel Erwin Rommel Lamzon, commander of the Joint Task Group Cebu and part of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, played a pivotal role in coordinating military participation in the mangrove planting and clean-up efforts on Earth Day.
His leadership underscores the military’s commitment to supporting community and environmental projects.
Atty. Grace Hermosa, serving as the Legal Aid Program Head for the IBP Cebu City Chapter, took a prominent role by leading a group of law students from the University of San Carlos in the mangrove planting and cleanup drive.
Jail Chief Inspector Roberto Alpon III, the Warden of the Cebu City Jail Annex, also played a significant role in mobilizing resources and personnel for the event.
Furthermore, Atty. Luis Fajardo, Jr., the BJMP Regional Accountant and Worshipful Master of Talisay Sugbo Masonic Lodge No. 422, contributed his leadership and organizational skills to the initiative, further enhancing the event’s reach and impact through the involvement of the Masonic community.
These leaders, along with other key participants from various sectors, underscored the collaborative nature of the “Good Earth Steward Project,” enhancing environmental awareness and fostering a community spirit focused on sustainability and proactive environmental care in urban areas like Cebu City.
CebuLifestyleChannel.ph