Kirk Outsourcing up in Ablayan Dalaguete – Planted trees; sustaining life...

Last October 20, 2007, Kirk Outsourcing in cooperation with VMPRDC (Visayas Mindanao People’s Resource Development Center) trekked the winding paths to Barangay Abalayan Dalaguete, Cebu. The tree planting activity was spearheaded by the SEO department and what was once another way to get out of the office turned out to be a profound event for those who participated.

Despite the delayed departure, the participants made good use of the waiting time by taking pictures of what ought to be the start of an unforgettable adventure. Even the 3 hour trip didn’t feel quite as long since the trekkers got the chance to see sights which they thought can’t be found in Cebu.

“I’ll post this picture in my Friendster with the caption - Me in Baguio”; Joey, MK’s sexy HR officer said as she hurriedly took a snapshot of herself when the bus passed by a row of pine trees.

Upon the arrival of the site, the participants were welcomed by the local barangay officials. A short orientation on basic environmental awareness seminar was discussed to give the visiting city folks an understanding why such project was started in the first place.

”The project of VMPRDC aims to revive Ablayan’s mountains and provide the community not only with a source of potable water but livelihood as well. The agro-forestry project aims to reforest the denuded mountains and provide a more eco-friendly livelihood. With agro-forestry, the trees planted are a combination of hard wood and fruit bearing trees.” Norms, the staff from VMPRDC explained.

With the rain bidding to fall, MK employees quickly started the main activity for the day with each participant planting 20 or more seedlings. Even the heeled footwear of Barbie, MK’s darling part owner, didn’t stop her from planting on the steep slopes of Ablayan.

“After five years...” was the popular phrase said over and over by Divina Neilsen. “After five years, I am going to harvest the fruits from the trees that I have planted”.

What made the event profound weren’t the laughs, the sights, or the cheap vegetables. It was the gratifying feeling that most participants felt on the way home.

“I always wanted to get involved in community activities, this tree planting of ours gave me a chance to be a part of a deeper cause for Mother Earth” – Michelle, MK’s blogger.