Holy Rosary Minor Seminary Launches “Dos SyentosKwarentang Lindong” Stewardship of Creation Program

By Michelle Gallora

NAGA CITY, Philippines – In a vibrant display of community spirit and environmental stewardship, the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary launched “Dos Syentos Kwarentang Lindong” Program on October 7, 2024 at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary Covered Court. In celebration of its 240th Foundation Anniversary, the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary of the Archdiocese of Caceres chooses to embark on a transformative journey. The Bikol term “Lindong” means shade offered by trees. “Lindong” at the initial level could mean the greening program of planting trees. However, by extension, “Lindong” represents the capacity of each one of us to offer “shade” or tender loving care to which the seminary is called. It is a commitment to provide a nurturing environment for growth and development, just as a shade provides protection and comfort.

Dos Syentos Kwarentang Lindong therefore is comprised of three different components signifying the three levels of actualizing it: 1. Environmental sustainability, 2. Social services, and 3. Educational support.

At the initial level, the goal of this program is to plant a total of 240 native trees during the school year, in celebration of the 240th Foundation Anniversary of the Holy Rosary Seminary. Extending this lindong program to the social dimension is the Social Services component of the program. The seminary seeks to care for 240 indigent members of Sta. Cruz community by providing support and resources for them through diverse charitable initiatives. The third component is care program for the students through the educational component which will be realized through the establishment of a remediation program for struggling students in English. This initiative will provide specialized support for learners who require additional assistance with language skills, ultimately helping them achieve academic success.

The kick-off ceremony of the stewardship of creation program was collaboratively participated by the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, Holy Rosary Major Seminary, Holy Rosary Preparatory Seminary of the Archdiocese of Caceres, the City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) of Naga City, and Archbishop of Caceres as they signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen each commitment to a greener future and environment.

Present in this event were Rev. Fr. Francis A. Tordilla, Rector of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, Rev. Fr. Joey D. Gonzaga, Rector of the Holy Rosary Major Seminary, Rev. Fr. Joaquin T. Camano, Rector of the Holy Rosary Preparatory Seminary, Engineer Dan Cea, representative of City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) of Naga City and as the witness, Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D. Archbishop of Caceres.

Under this memorandum of understanding, each institution shall plant 24 native seedlings within their respective compounds ensuring the care and maintenance of the planted trees. The CENRO, Naga City agrees to provide 240 native tree seedlings as well as guidance and monitoring of the sustainable growth and maintenance of each tree.

The initiative aligns with the stewardship of creation principles of the Catholic Church and the environmental mandates of the CENRO as each institution contributes to environmental conservation, raises awareness on sustainable practices, and marks a significant anniversary with a meaningful and lasting ecological legacy.

The duration  of the program will remain in effect for the school year, with tree planting activities to be completed by the end of the academic year.

Seminarian’s burunyog, priests, and faculty and staff of each institution were also present as they gathered at the football court to plant an initial of 24 native tree seedlings.

The launching of “Dos Syentos Kwarentang Lindong Program” ended as the participants formed on the seminary football field the number 240 which represents the commitment to plant native trees for a greener and cleaner environment.

The Holy Rosary Minor Seminary launched “Dos Syentos Kwarentang Lindong” Program on October 7, 2024 at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary Covered Court in celebration of its 240th Foundation Anniversary. The kick-off ceremony of the stewardship of creation program was collaboratively participated by the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, Holy Rosary Major Seminary, Holy Rosary Preparatory Seminary of the Archdiocese of Caceres, the City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) of Naga City, and Archbishop of Caceres Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D. (Photo by Holy Rosary Minor Seminary)