Published February 03, 2026 by Campus Information Office
Cagayan State University–Gonzaga further strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability through a tree-planting activity held at the CSU-Gonzaga Orchard on February 2, continuing the Compassion Project launched in 2023.
The activity is part of the Compassion Project initiated under the administration of former University President Urdujah Alvarado and is being sustained through a partnership with the Career Executive Service Board (CESB) and the Cagayan Valley Association of Career Executives (CV-ACE). The event was made even more meaningful as it coincided with the birthday celebration of Dr. Alvarado, CESO II, Chairperson of the Career Executive Service Board, adding a celebratory note to the advocacy for environmental stewardship.
Held within the perimeter of CSU-Gonzaga land, the tree-planting activity aligns with the mandate of the current Officer-in-Charge President, Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, to establish functional orchards in all CSU campuses. These orchards are envisioned as sustainable green spaces and living laboratories, to be maintained and safeguarded by the respective campuses.
During the activity, CSU-Gonzaga planted around 200 fruit-bearing trees, including latexless jackfruit, Bangkok santol, Davao pomelo, mangosteen, lansones, durian, guyabano, and avocado. The selection of fruit trees supports biodiversity, food security, and experiential learning in agriculture and environmental studies.
The event was attended by Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, OIC of the Office of the University President of CSU, who personally led the activity, together with Dr. Froilan A. Pacris, Jr., Campus Executive Officer of CSU-Gonzaga. Also present were key officials and members of the Career Executive Service Board (CESB) and the Cagayan Valley Association of Career Executives (CV-ACE), led by Dr. Urdujah G. Alvarado, CESO II, Chairperson of the Career Executive Service Board; Atty. Ismael T. Manaligod, CESO IV, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region II; Dir. Angely Mercado, Regional Director of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and Dir. Dulce Dela Cruz, Regional Director of the National Commission of Senior Citizens.
Also participating in the tree-planting activity were Schools Division Superintendent Reynante Caliguiran, the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, and heads of various public and private elementary and secondary schools in Gonzaga, further strengthening inter-agency and educational collaboration in advancing environmental sustainability.
Their collective participation underscored strong collaboration among higher education institutions, government agencies, and the basic education sector in advancing environmental initiatives.
The tree-planting activity symbolized continuity, rooted in compassion, affirming CSU-Gonzaga’s role in promoting sustainable development and environmental leadership in the Cagayan Valley.
Photos: Ms. Jean Torres and Ms. Lorie Fhel Ramento