RSU holds "Tipanan sa Inang Kalikasan" on Valentine's Day 2024

February 14, 2024 - Romblon State University hosted its annual "Tipanan sa Inang Kalikasan" (TSIK) program on February 14th, 2024, with the theme "Mobilizing People for Conservation Movements."

The event brought together students, faculty, government officials, and representatives from non-governmental organizations to showcase love for the environment through various activities, such as Bikeathon, Coastal Cleanup, and Tree Planting sessions.

The event commenced with an invocation by Lovely C. Barrientos, followed by welcome messages from Dr. Alfredo Fortu, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Sciences (CAFES), and Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, University President.

Pres. Mani highlighted RSU's commitment to environmental sustainability through its consistent implementation of initiatives aimed at boosting environmental preservation in the region. She also expressed her gratitude for all the international and national delegates who participated in the program despite inclement weather. 

Ms. Cielo Amor M. Ferrancullo, Advocacy Officer, acknowledged the participants from various organizations, including the Philippine Army, Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, government agencies, and RSU associations.

Special guests from Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia, were also introduced, namely, H.E. Dr. Touch Visalsok, Secretary of State, MOEYS; H.E. Dr. Ngy Laymithuna, Rector, University of Kratie; Mr. Kong Phoumika, Director, Department of Higher Education; Dr. Pin Tara, Vice-Rector, University of Heng Samrin Thbongkhmum; Dr. Sor Ratha, Dean, Graduate School of National Cheasim Kamchaymear; and Mr. Chhey Chanthou, Head of Finance, Department of Higher Education.

As highlight of the TSIK 2024, RSU also installed 10 new ambassadors for the LOREN project, which stands for "Leveraging Opportunities for a Resilient and Eco-Friendly Nation: A Green Philippines Initiative."

The LOREN ambassadors will fulfill their responsibilities related to the LOREN thrusts of the programs, namely: Land Restoration and Conservation, Ocean Protection and Conservation, Renewable Energy Promotion, Environmental Education and Awareness, Natural Resource Management.

The newly installed LOREN Ambassadors are as follows:

• H.E. Dr. Touch Visalsok, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports;

• H.E. Dr. Ngy Laymithuna, Rector, University of Kratie;

• Mr. Kong Phoumika, Director, Department of Higher Education;

• Dr. Pin Tara, Vice-Rector, University of Heng Samrin Thbongkhmum;

• Dr. Sor Ratha, Dean, Graduate School of National Cheasim Kamchaymear;

• Mr. Chhey Chanthou, Head of Finance, Department of Higher Education;

• Engr. Daisy Familaran-Cruz - Supervising Environmental  Management Specialist;

• Ms. Faith Casimero – President Latab Fisherfolks,  Bgy Balogo Calatrava Romblon;

• Mr. John Factor - President, Suga Fisherfolks  & Focal Person, RSU Coral Reef Protection & Preservation Project Bgy San Roque, Calatrava, Romblon;

• Mr. Joven Casimero - Fish Warden, Balogo Fish Sanctuary Bgy Balogo, Calatrava, Romblon;

• Hon Juliet Sixon - Chairperson, Bgy Balogo, Calatrava, Romblon - Focal Person, RSU Philippine National Aquasilviculture Program On Mangrove Rehabilitation;

• Irene B. Maulion -SARPO, Legal Division  Department Of Agrarian Reform;

• Rommel F. Fajarito  – Founder Mimaropa Kabalikat;

• Agusto F. Yap - Founder, PGBI Tablas Chapter;

• Kim Chester Moreno - Environmental Advocate PGBI Calatrava Chapter;

• P/Ssgt Ely F. Garcia -PNP Calatrava;

• Reymark Manoy -MODECERA Staff;

• Ric Vincent S. Liberato - Incident Commander DRRMO, RSU Sta. Fe Campus;

• Romeo “Chow” Chua - Regional Governor Maharlikans;

• Romil Baguio -Patrol Base Commander CAFGU;

• Sgt. Arnel B. Fabic -Member, Philippine Army Reserve Command;

• Edison Maestre - President CAFES Environmental Sciences;

• Edzel Lucidos - President CAFES Agriculture;

• Jahzeel Ramilo - President CAFES Forestry;

• Manilyn Gaac - Officer Army ROTC, RSU San Andres;

• Justin Falcutila -Officer Army ROTC, RSU Calatrava;

• Tomas Mana -SK President Bgy. Balogo, Calatrava;

• Terry Escarilla Forio -Sr. Pastor, Good News to All Nation Church Inc.

The LOREN Ambassadors received sashes and certificates of recognition, awarded by the institution.

The selected environmental stewards also recited a pledge of commitment led by Pres. Mani, formally confirming their designations.

Director Edgardo F. Fadallan of the Special Projects and Advocacy Office delivered his closing remarks and activity instructions for the Tree-Planting Activity, which was joined by top RSU officials, guests from Cambodia, and students.

The tree-planting activity served as a symbolic act of environmental stewardship among the LOREN Ambassadors, top officials, and volunteers from various organizations and agencies.

The program further underscored the importance of individual and collective action in protecting the planet against the strong forces of climate change.

As an annual event, TSIK has become a platform for Romblon State University to raise awareness, forge collaboration, and mobilize people to take action towards a more sustainable future.