Kalibo, Aklan – The Women’s Council of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) Kalibo Chapter took a significant step in promoting environmental protection by holding a Tree Planting Activity at the Bakhawan Eco-Park, New Buswang, Kalibo last Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 7:00 AM.

Members of the Women’s Council came together with a shared mission: to nurture the environment and embody the BCBP core value of responsible stewardship of God’s creation. They planted mangrove seedlings to help sustain the province’s premier mangrove reforestation site, an area recognized for its vital role in protecting coastal regions while supporting marine biodiversity.

The Bakhawan Eco-Park is widely known as a successful community-driven mangrove reforestation project and is recognized as one of the best in the Philippines. By planting new mangrove seedlings, the Women’s Council contributed to strengthening the coastline’s natural defense.

Mangroves, often called the “green guardians of our coasts,” play a vital role in protecting communities from storm surges, floods, and coastal erosion. They also serve as breeding and feeding grounds for fish, crustaceans, and migratory birds, making them a critical component of the local ecosystem.
Many of our members celebrated the joy of working together in nature, where camaraderie and faith blended with physical exertion. To top it all, the activity provided the members the opportunity to reflect on the biblical call of “Caring for the Earth” – an important facet of our Christian commitment.

The Tree Planting Activity reflects the broader mission of BCBP to bring Christ into the marketplace and into the community. Beyond their professional and business lives, members are encouraged to be socially responsible citizens who actively contribute to a positive change.
By engaging in environmental projects, the Women’s Council aligns its initiatives with both ecological sustainability and Christian stewardship, proving that faith-based organizations can play an active role in addressing environmental challenges.

It is the fervent hope of the BCBP Kalibo Women’s Council that this initiative will continue to inspire more groups, families, and individuals to participate in reforestation and coastal protection programs as the Council believes that caring for the environment is not a one-time activity but an ongoing responsibility.

As the day ended, members left with a renewed purpose and a powerful sense of accomplishment. They now understood that protecting nature is a fight for life itself, a truth echoed in their battle cry: “United we stand to protect the green guardians of our coasts.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

Photos contributed by Sis. Joanna Ignacio and Chapter Head Jerome Quimpo.