Yabu para Gabos, Gabos para sa Yabu

Responding to the call of Pope Francis to take care of God’s creation, the Archdiocesan Shrine and St. Jude Thaddeus Parish Community, planted 200 Narra Tree-seedlings at the banks of Yabu River at Del Rosario, Naga City, last September 1, 2020.

The activity dubbed as “Yabu para sa gabos, Gabos para sa Yabu”, is part of the greening program of the parish aimed at raising consciousness on the care and protection of the environment. The program would like to heighten interest too on preference for native trees. Last year, the shrine organized successfully an Eco Run, combining fun run and planting of 500 Pili Trees in the different subdivisions around the parish.

This year, Yabu River, becomes the rallying point in reminding everyone of their shared duty and mission to protect God’s creation. Not everyone knows much about this river. But this main tributary river calls attention for it merges with Naga and Bikol river. Recently, Yabu was the main concern of some environmentalists due to the transfer of the city’s landfill near its banks. The tree planting, however, aims for a more positive and collaborative effort to save what is left with our common home. The activity coincides with the World Day of Prayer for the care of Creation summoned by Pope Francis. This celebration of our common home and interconnectedness as creatures runs until 4 October, the feast of St Francis of Assisi.

The greening program is in collaboration with the Naga City Environment and Natural Resources Office, the UNC Law School Student Board and USI Batch 1977. -Fr Francis Tordilla