Tagaytay City—In a powerful display of unity and reverence for God’s creation, the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm conducted the Bamboo-Planting Activity for Creation, during which bamboo was planted by attendees in areas across the Farm. The assembly for the activity was held at the St. Peter Fishpond and Gazebo at around 7:30 AM.
The activity was conducted in collaboration with the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Office of the SVD Philippines Central Province through Rev. Fr. Benigno “Ben” Beltran, SVD, and the Christ the King Mission Seminary (CKMS).
The day’s events were facilitated by hosts Rev. Arjie Ducayag, SVD, and Frt. Kenneth Kurt Kierulf. Attendees include SVD Tagaytay Youth, SVD Tagaytay Scholastics and Postulants, SVD-ALS Center teachers and students, SVD Tagaytay Comissionaries, Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies (DWIMS) alumni, and other registrants.
The day kicked off with a lively Zumba session, setting the tone for the day's environmental initiative.
Afterwards, Rev. Fr. Samuel "Sam" Naceno-Agcaracar, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community, welcomed participants at 8:00 AM, expressing joy at the event's turnout. “I am sure that the Holy Father, if he could watch us, would be very happy to witness our activity,” said Fr. Sam.
In his welcome message, Fr. Sam emphasized the significance of the day, marking it as the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary and tying it to Pope Francis' recent publication, "Laudate Deum," a follow-up to his 2015 encyclical "Laudato Si’."
Fr. Sam highlighted the significance of the day, coinciding with the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. He emphasized the urgency of the environmental challenges faced by society today, echoing the Holy Father’s message that mere prayers and words are insufficient. He urged active participation, inviting attendees to join the advocacy and inspire governmental and ecclesiastical institutions to act in response to the environmental crisis.
“Sa Laudate Deum, sinabi ng Santo Papa na kulang pa ang ginagawa ng Simbahan at ng mundo para tumugon sa hamon ng pag-aalaga sa kalikasan,” said Fr. Sam, echoing Pope Francis’ sentiment that actions, not just prayers and words, are essential to safeguarding the planet.
He urged participants to do what they can to compel both governmental and ecclesiastical bodies to take concrete steps in response to the environmental crisis. "This is not just a simple bamboo-planting activity," Fr. Sam said. "We invite you to join our advocacy, to challenge and inspire our government and Church, to realize that Laudato Si’ is not just about praying and speaking but instead is about doing concrete things together," he added.
Expressing gratitude for the attendees' presence, Fr. Sam highlighted the urgency of the moment, emphasizing that failure to act now could imperil the future for the younger generation.
"As we celebrate today, I hope that your participation will serve as a catalyst for action in your own spheres," Fr. Sam implored. "Our younger generation will not have a safe home if we do not do something, starting now."
Fr. Sam's message resonated as a poignant call for immediate and tangible action, stirring a sense of responsibility and calling upon each individual to be a catalyst for change in the face of environmental peril. His words served as a rallying cry to embrace the ideals of "Laudate Deum," emphasizing the necessity of collective efforts to protect our planet for future generations.
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After Fr. Sam’s message, a video presentation showcasing the SVD Farm's previous bamboo-planting endeavors was played. Afterwards, a graceful “blossom dance” was led by Ms. Marcelina “Lina” Cacal, Human Resources Manager of the SVD Farm.
Following this, Rev. Fr. Ricardo “Jhon” Crisostomo, Jr., General Manager of the SVD Farm, led the blessing for the bamboo seedlings.
After gathering in their respective groups, the attendees showed their collective commitment to nurturing the environment for future generations during the bamboo-planting proper, planting bamboo seedlings at selected areas across the SVD Farm.
The activity concluded with a message of gratitude from Fr. Jhon, followed by simple snacks. In the end, the event not only planted bamboo but sowed the seeds of awareness and collective responsibility, nurturing a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.
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For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org.