By Jaren Marr P. Jaco

Various government and non-government organizations showed support for Earth Hour organized by GT Mall Pavia.

Last March 22, 2025, the Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center of the University was invited by the GT Mall Pavia to join the Earth Hour Activity. Aside from being a representative of the University at the event, Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr. was also a resource person. He shared some of the University’s environmental rehabilitation and conservation initiatives.

Prof. Dipol highlighted the importance of fruit tree growing activity as one of the significant environmental rehabilitation initiatives anchored in core objectives such as nutrition and food security, ecological rehabilitation, and biodiversity conservation. According to him, fruit trees provide the primary source of vitamins and minerals and can be a source of food during famine, inflation, and natural calamities. Regarding environmental rehabilitation, fruit trees’ fallen leaves enrich the soil, turning into humus that support plant growth. Trees also contribute to air and water purification, soil stabilization, climate regulation, and habitat restoration, serving as nesting of various wildlife such as birds, rodents, and herbivores, which support the food chain by sustaining carnivores for biodiversity conservation.

Aside from Central Philippine University, other prestigious higher education institutions, such as West Visayas State University and Iloilo Science and Technology University, were invited to the event.

GT Mall Pavia is interested in building partnerships and collaborations with Central Philippine University, specifically in environmental rehabilitation and social development initiatives.