𝐓𝐒𝐈𝐊 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

by: Charevel F. Ferranco

Valentine’s Day, traditionally a celebration of love and affection, is taking on a new meaning every year at Romblon State University as it conducts the Tipanan sa Inang Kalikasan 2024 with the theme Mobilizing People for Conservation Movements.

TSIK, now in its fourth year, was conducted across campuses, featuring a series of environmental activities, such as tree planting and coastal clean-up drive.

This year’s Love for Mother Nature highlights its main event at RSU Extramural Campus, Agpudlos, san Andres, Romblon, wherein amidst the rainfall and vibrant hues of Valentine’s Day, RSUvians, various agencies from LGUs, environmental organizations, and volunteers came together to promote eco-friendly practices and raise awareness about pressing environmental issues.

From tree planting events to beach clean-ups, RSU Top Officials headed by Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani together with VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Emelyn F. Montoya, VP for Admin and Finance Dr. Tomas T. Faminial, VP for Research, Extension, Development, and Innovation Dr. Eddie G. Fetalvero, and Chief Administrative Officer Atty. Glenn Niño M. Sartillo, key administrators, and student volunteers united in the spirit of love for the planet we call home.

“The best expression of love for God, ourselves, family, and community is by loving our Mother Earth,” said Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, Founder of TSIK, in her message during the event.

These environmental activities extend beyond local borders as the University welcomes its New LOREN Ambassadors who will serve as a new beacon of hope for environmental conservation. RSU is proud to welcome its new international LOREN ambassadors and guests from Cambodia who made the event more significant, H.E. Dr. Touch Visalsok- Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MOEYS), H.E. Dr. Ngy Laymithuna- Rector, University of Kratie (UKT), Dr. Pin Tara- Vice-Rector, University of Heng Samrin Thbongkhmum (UHST), Dr. Sor Ratha- Dean Graduate School of National Cheasim Kamchaymear (NUCK), Mr. Kong Phoumika Director- Department of Higher Education (DHE) and Mr. Chhey Chantou- Head of Finance, DHE.

In addition to the RSU’s environmental force are the newly installed LOREN Ambassadors from different community organizations in the province. The LOREN project stands for “Leveraging Opportunities for a Resilient and Eco-Friendly Nation: A Green Philippines Initiative where these individuals will serve as environmental advocates and role models, raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices within the university and the community.

This successful and significant event fostered a sense of community spirit and encouraged collaboration among various stakeholders, highlighting the collective efforts to strengthen the environmental conservation in pursuit of University’s 10th Point Agenda, Establish the Center for Sustainable Environment and Natural Resource Governance.