Empowering Future Educators and Citizens for a Sustainable Manila

By Alistair B. Selorio

Showcasing its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement, the Universidad de Manila (UDM) took a leading role in the “Green for Manila: Tree Planting Activity 2025” held on September 19, 2025, at Liwasang Bonifacio, Plaza Lawton, Ermita, Manila. The initiative, organized in partnership with the Manila Health Department (MHD), Universidad de Manila (UDM) COLLEGE OF EDUCATION SCIENCE PROGRAM, NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM successfully brought together students, faculty, and community volunteers to promote greener spaces and a healthier urban environment.

Heading the UDM contingent was Mr. Alistair B. Selorio, NSTP Director, whose leadership was instrumental in mobilizing UDM’s National Service Training Program (NSTP) students and ensuring the event’s smooth coordination. Alongside him was Dr. Vanessa Vargas-Martinez, College of Education BSED-Science Program Head and Adviser of the Society for the Advancement of Science Education (SASE), who guided and inspired the students to take an active role in environmental action.

The activity gathered the participation of 2nd-year Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) Science students, who planted a total of 50 trees along the center island in front of the Philippine Post Office. Beyond the planting itself, participants attended a lecture on Environmental Health by Mr. Joseph R. Rosal, Director of Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP), who emphasized the vital connection between ecological balance and human well-being. He highlighted how urban tree planting helps combat air pollution, mitigate climate change effects, and prevent health risks caused by urban heat and flooding.

Strengthening the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The “Green for Manila” initiative went beyond a simple greening effort — it was a direct contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their long-term vision for a better world:

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being: The trees planted will improve air quality by absorbing harmful pollutants and producing oxygen, creating a healthier environment for nearby communities. Reduced exposure to air pollutants contributes to lower respiratory illnesses, heat-related stress, and overall better public health outcomes.
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: Trees naturally filter rainwater, helping reduce surface runoff and preventing pollutants from entering waterways. Their root systems prevent soil erosion and protect groundwater recharge zones, ensuring cleaner water for urban residents and mitigating the risk of flooding.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: By turning urban gray spaces into green spaces, the activity helps make Manila more resilient and livable. Trees serve as natural shade providers, lower surface temperatures, reduce noise pollution, and create more pleasant public areas that benefit both residents and commuters.
SDG 13 – Climate Action: Tree planting is one of the most effective ways to sequester carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. Each tree planted becomes a long-term carbon sink, contributing to Manila’s efforts to mitigate climate change impacts such as urban heat islands and erratic weather patterns.
SDG 15 – Life on Land: Planting native tree species contributes to the restoration of urban biodiversity, providing habitats for birds and pollinators. Over time, these green spaces can become micro-ecosystems that help rebalance the urban ecological network.

By sowing seedlings that symbolize hope and resilience, UDM students demonstrated that education goes beyond the classroom — it is about shaping responsible citizens and future educators who lead sustainability initiatives. The event reinforced UDM’s mission of nurturing globally competent, socially responsible leaders who can champion positive change for Manila and beyond