By Mikee Natinga Norico
CPU SHS Provincial Council members, together with their adviser, Mr. Sonilo Crasco, Jr., and sub-adviser, Ms. Arianna Rose Angelie Tolosa, pose for a group photo following the successful Bayanihan Hawkies Phase 1 mangrove planting activity in Brgy. Tabucan, Mandurriao.
In celebration of Earth Day 2025, the ĢƵ (CPU) Senior High School Provincial Council, in partnership with the Iloilo City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), spearheaded the ĢƵBayanihan Hawkies Phase 1ĢƵ mangrove planting activity held on April 22, 2025, at Barangay Tabucan, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
The event brought together 24 Council Members, 3 Hawk Kamay Volunteers, and 5 Republic Heads under the leadership of Atashia Erin S. Sagge, Outreach and Externals of the CPU SHS Provincial Council. United by the spirit of bayanihanĢƵthe Filipino tradition of community cooperationĢƵstudents, faculty, and volunteers planted mangrove seedlings along the coastline in a symbolic and practical effort to preserve the environment and strengthen climate resilience.
Sagge shared that the initiative was born out of her passion for volunteerism and her desire to mobilize the student body in meaningful acts of service. ĢƵWhat truly inspired me to pursue this initiative was my deep passion for volunteerism and the desire to maximize our platform to encourage student involvement. I believe that even small actions, when done together, can create meaningful change,ĢƵ she said.
The location was selected through collaboration with Iloilo City CENRO, which identified Brgy. Tabucan as a vital mangrove restoration site. ĢƵThe name ĢƵBayanihan HawkiesĢƵ reflects the spirit of unity and collective effortĢƵbayanihanĢƵembodied by our school community, the ‘Hawkies.’ It symbolizes how working hand in hand can lead to impactful results,ĢƵ Sagge added.
Beyond planting, the Provincial Council plans to implement post-monitoring activities to ensure the mangroves thrive. A follow-up phase is already in the works, with opportunities for wider student involvement. Sagge emphasized that the council aims to sustain student engagement by fostering continuous partnerships and empowering future student leaders to take up the cause.
ĢƵThis initiative reflects CPUĢƵs vision of being a university committed to Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL). It nurtures students who are responsive to the needs of others and the world, encouraging leadership that is grounded in compassion, service, and responsibility,ĢƵ Sagge noted.
As a message to fellow youth leaders, she said: ĢƵStay true to your core values. Your authenticity will guide you to the right path. We, the youth, have the potential to create real changeĢƵso never underestimate what you can do.ĢƵ
ĢƵBayanihan Hawkies Phase 1ĢƵ not only planted mangrove seedlings but also sowed the seeds of leadership, environmental consciousness, and community collaborationĢƵcore values that continue to define the CPU Senior High School community.