DENR’S Undersecretary for Field Operations-Mindanao Joselin Marcus E. Fragada (from left); Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs Atty. Jonas R. Leones and DENR Secretary Raphael Perpetuo M. Lotilla; Dr. Rowena Capulong-Reyes and Atty. Rosalie J. de la Cruz-Cada.
FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY (FEU) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) formalized their collaboration on environmental protection and sustainability through a memorandum of agreement last October 17 at the DENR Forest Management Bureau in Quezon City.
The agreement reaffirms their commitment to promoting conservation, education, and civic responsibility. Through this partnership, FEU students, faculty, and personnel will continue to participate in reforestation, tree-tagging, coastal and upland cleanups, nursery management, and environmental awareness programs in coordination with the DENR Forest Management Bureau.
“This ceremony marks the continuing collaboration between the government and the academe, anchored in our shared vision of environmental protection, conservation, and civic engagement,” said DENR chief Raphael M. Lotilla. “Each tree planted, each coastline cleaned, and each student engaged contributes to a greener, cleaner, and more resilient Philippines.”
“We believe that education and environmental protection are inseparable partners in nation-building,” said FEU Vice President for Corporate Affairs Dr. Rowena Capulong-Reyes. “Through this partnership, our students, faculty, and personnel learn the values of stewardship, discipline, and civic responsibility that no classroom alone can teach.”
Dr. Capulong-Reyes, Director of Community Relations Atty. Rosalie J. de la Cruz-Cada, along with FEU Controller and Chief Risk Officer Pamela Hernandez signed the agreement on behalf of FEU. The Community Relations office has been the university’s lead coordinator of its partnership with DENR, which began in 2024 and has since flourished through initiatives such as the Tamaraw Tree Hugging Campaign, Arbor Day Reforestation at La Mesa Watershed, and International Coastal Clean-Up.
Environment Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs Atty. Jonas R. Leones and Undersecretary for Field Operations Joselin Marcus E. Fragada witnessed the signing.
The agreement advances FEU’s ongoing environmental education and outreach programs that encourage responsible citizenship and leadership anchored on sustainability.
As this partnership continues to grow, FEU and the DENR Forest Management Bureau reaffirm their shared purpose to nurture not only trees, but also awareness, action, and hope for a cleaner and more sustainable Philippines, according to a statement from the university.