𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: 𝗖𝗔𝗘 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴'𝘀

In a refreshing break from classroom routines, College of Accounting Education (CAE) interns traded their ledgers for shovels, participating in a tree-planting activity at Loleng's Mountain Resort in Toril, Davao City, on November 8, 2025. What started as a standard community extension program evolved into a meaningful blend of environmental advocacy, hands-on learning, and teamwork. The day began with a trek up the mountain—an unexpected challenge that immediately set a tone of perseverance. The interns navigated the forested paths, taking in the calm surroundings and encouraging each other with every step. For many, the hike itself was the first opportunity to forge camaraderie before they even reached the planting site. One of the interns, Francis Jasper Maribao, shared how memorable the experience was for him: “It was my first time joining a tree planting. We had to hike to the top, take a break, then start planting. It was tiring but fun. I really enjoyed it.” Arriving at the designated area, the group immediately got to work, planting seedlings across the steep slope. Each small sapling represented a tangible contribution to the environment—a step toward restoring greenery and safeguarding the land for future generations. This initiative was more than a mere requirement. It powerfully highlighted CAE's deep commitment to environmental awareness and global sustainability. By participating, the interns directly supported key tenets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on Climate Action (SDG 13) and Life on Land (SDG 15). As they descended the mountain, the interns were left with muddy shoes, tired legs, and a profound, renewed appreciation for the environment. The seedlings they planted will take years to mature, but the sense of purpose and collective responsibility they cultivated that day will undoubtedly stay with them much longer. Through actions rooted in unity, care, and purposeful effort, the CAE interns proved that even small steps can lead to meaningful change—one life, and one tree, at a time. 🖋️Mishra Julsani