30 July 2026
On July 20, 2026, the Center for Built Environment and Logistics (CBEL) of De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Kapisanang Balik Kalikasan (KABALIKAT), Inc. The signing took place at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR–PENRO) in Taytay, Rizal.
CBEL Director Alma Yango and Dean Joana Añonuevo of the Lasallian Mission and Student Life represented the College, joined by delegates from the Manila and Antipolo campuses. The partnership commits Benilde to the One Million Trees and Beyond initiative of De La Salle Philippines, a nationwide program that calls on schools and communities to plant and nurture trees.
KABALIKAT brings grassroots advocacy and community mobilization to the effort. The organization works closely with local groups to promote environmental protection and sustainable practices. DENR–PENRO Rizal provides government oversight and technical expertise, ensuring that reforestation projects follow national standards and benefit local ecosystems.
This collaboration builds on CBEL’s ongoing projects in sustainability. Earlier this year, CBEL led Earth Day activities in Taal, Batangas, where the team partnered with local fisherfolk and visited the NFRDI Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center. In April and May, CBEL also shared harvests from the Rooftop Garden of Peace at the Design + Arts Campus, bringing fresh greens to offices across the Taft Campus. These efforts show how CBEL combines applied learning with community engagement.
Through the new partnership, CBEL extends its reach from campus gardens and community visits to large-scale reforestation. The goal is clear: to care for the environment, support local communities, and live out the vision of Laudato Si’ by protecting our common home.
