ICP Youth Apostolate – Mintal conducts AMUMA: A Tree Planting Activity in Brgy. Manambulan

True to its long-time commitment to faith and creation, the ICP Youth Apostolate recently accomplished a successful tree-planting activity last July 20, 2025, at a lot in Barangay Manambulan, Davao City. It was organized by virtue of the theme AMUMA, a Cebuano word that may be simply translated as ‘to nurture’ or ‘to care for with love,’ fitting the group’s itinerary for the day.

Over 50 members of the congregation engaged in the activity, in line with their formation based on Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on how we take care of our common home. The activity was the practical fulfillment of their shared responsibility as stewards of the Earth based on faith and action.

It began early in the morning with a short briefing at the GKK Sr. Santo Niño chapel in Zone 13, reminding the youths of the importance of the activity, that every seedling planted contains within it the potential of life, growth, and rebirth. It was there that the Chairman of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) opened the idea of one day returning to the area to hopefully see how the trees would be growing.

By 8:30 AM, the group gathered for prayer, offering their intentions for the well-being of creation, safety, and unity in cause. With concentrated hearts and spirits, they began their journey towards the area of planting, guided by their leaders in solemn excitement. When they arrived at the forested lot in Barangay Manambulan, the calm weather and cool breeze made the atmosphere inviting. Participants were instructed to line up so that they may receive their seedlings, each person taking a narra seedling—the National Philippine tree that is famous for its strength and sturdiness. Directives on where and how to plant arrived at the area, after which the group scattered in different directions, searching for spots to dig, plant, and gently cover their seedlings with soil.

For the majority of the youths, the experience transcended environmentalism, it transcended being part of something based on concern—for the environment, for the community, for future generations.

The ICP Youth Apostolate would like to extend its greatest gratitude to Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Zenon Ampong, DCD, and Parochial Vicar Rev. Fr. Louis Jasper Alfeche, DCD for the unwavering guidance and support. Thanks are also given to the Sangguniang Kabataan Council of Barangay Manambulan and Hon. Kristine Abdul Mercado, SK Federation President of Davao City, for the cooperation and support in the successful conduct of the activity.

Through the AMUMA, the youths planted something other than trees. They planted hope, intention, and faith. With every seedling planted, an unspoken vow was being made: to care for, to tend, and to live out of their faith for the sake of creation. (Elyze Stephanie Seplon)