FEU, DENR strengthen partnership for environmental stewardship

Far Eastern University (FEU) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) formalized their collaboration for environmental protection and sustainability through a memorandum of agreement last Oct. 17 at the DENR Forest Management Bureau in Quezon City.

The agreement reaffirms their commitment to promoting conservation, education, and civic responsibility. Through this partnership, FEU students, faculty, and personnel will continue to participate in reforestation, tree-tagging, coastal and upland cleanups, nursery management, and environmental awareness programs in coordination with the DENR Forest Management Bureau

“This ceremony marks the continuing collaboration between the government and the academe, anchored on our shared vision of environmental protection, conservation, and civic engagement. Each tree planted, each coastline cleaned, and each student engaged contributes to a greener, cleaner, and more resilient Philippines,” said DENR Secretary Raphael M. Lotilla.

L to R: Joselin Marcus E. Fragada (DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations-Mindanao); Atty. Jonas R. Leones (DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs); DENR Secretary Raphael Perpetuo M. Lotilla; Dr. Rowena Capulong-Reyes, and Atty. Rosalie J. de la Cruz-Cada. DENR

“We believe that education and environmental protection are inseparable partners in nation-building. Through this partnership, our students, faculty, and personnel learn the values of stewardship, discipline, and civic responsibility that no classroom alone can teach,” said FEU Vice President for Corporate Affairs Dr. Rowena Capulong-Reyes.

The agreement was signed on behalf of FEU by Dr. Capulong-Reyes, Atty. Rosalie J. de la Cruz-Cada, Director of Community Relations, and Pamela Hernandez, FEU Controller and Chief Risk Officer. The university’s Community Relations office has been its lead coordinator of the partnership with DENR, which began in 2024 and has since flourished through initiatives such as the Tamaraw Tree Hugging Campaign, Arbor Day Reforestation at La Mesa Watershed, and International Coastal Clean-Up.

Also in attendance were Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs Atty. Jonas R. Leones and Undersecretary for Field Operations Joselin Marcus E. Fragada, who witnessed the signing.

L to R: Ma. Teresa G. Aquino (Division Chief, Forest Resources Conservation); Dr. Rowena Capulong- Reyes; Atty. Rosalie J. de la Cruz- Cada, and Percival Cardona (Section Chief, Reforestation and Forest Rehabilitation). DENR

The agreement advances FEU’s ongoing environmental education and outreach programs that encourage responsible citizenship and leadership anchored on sustainability.

As this partnership continues to grow, FEU and the DENR Forest Management Bureau reaffirm their shared purpose to nurture not only trees, but also awareness, action, and hope for a cleaner and more sustainable Philippines.