“Thank you for the Church’s efforts in helping maintain our environment. Your unity greatly helps for the betterment of our society,” said Elizer Lirazan, a member of Bantay Dagat (Sea Patrol), a volunteer-group that works for the protection of Philippine coastal waters, commending the mangrove tree-planting activity held by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members in the Ecclesiastical District of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, in the Philippines, on June 3, 2024.
Brethren who participated, donned their INC Giving shirts, went to the Baywatch Mangrove Reforestation Area, the event’s venue, located in Barangay Daan Banua, Kabankalan City. They planted a total of 2,500 seedlings.
When asked about the importance of mangroves to the environment, Lirazan said, “It serves as a sanctuary for smaller fishes. Mangroves also serve as natural barrier against violent waves during typhoons. Your activity is so timely and eco-friendly.”
Brother Amando Bariring Jr., district supervising minister, and Brother Jay Tamase, district Christian Family Organizations (CFO) overseer, led the said activity.
“With the guidance from the Church Administration, we aimed through this event to help our government in preserving nature thus helping our society. More than this, the brethren participated to all the more please our Lord God,” Brother Tamase said.
Not minding the distance just to participate, Bea Encontro, a choir member from the Local Congregation of Canlamay which is 40 kilometers away from the venue, said, “I’m so happy to be part of this activity. Helping preserve our nature is really fulfilling. Doing so, which at the same time is my involvement with Church activities, has edified me in the faith.”— With reports from Elaine Talaban of INC News Section