Carigara, Leyte – In a powerful show of environmental stewardship, graduating students of Eastern Visayas State University – Carigara Campus (EVSU-CC) participated in a tree-planting activity on May 5, 2025, in compliance with Republic Act No. 10800, also known as the Graduation Legacy for the Environment Act.

This law, enacted in 2019, requires all graduating students from elementary to tertiary levels to plant at least ten trees as a prerequisite for graduation. The initiative aims to instill environmental consciousness among the youth and support nationwide reforestation efforts.

During the event, students planted a variety of tree species, including mangroves (bakawan) at the campus aquafarm and fruit-bearing trees within the school grounds. Faculty members were on hand to provide technical guidance, ensuring that the trees were planted properly and in areas where they could thrive.

Campus officials emphasized that the initiative not only fulfills a legal requirement but also serves as a meaningful contribution to climate action, ecological balance, and community resilience.

The activity underscores EVSU-CC’s commitment to sustainable development and reinforces the role of educational institutions in promoting environmental responsibility. With thousands of students planting trees each year, the law continues to be a vital part of the Philippines’ broader strategy to combat deforestation and environmental degradation.