Published March 25, 2026 by Joselina Azucena
Cagayan State University officially launched its 10.07-hectare Joint Orchard Project at the Piat Campus, aimed at enhancing fruit crop productivity while advancing food security and climate action in Cagayan.
The initiative, titled “Enhancing fruit crops productivity under Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Management in CSU–Piat,” is a collaborative undertaking among the Andrews, Carig, Piat, and Solana campuses. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the project supports Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life on Land (SDG 15).
A total of 4,560 seedlings were distributed across the four campuses, broken down as follows: Piat Campus – 1,800 seedlings (lanzones, durian, mangosteen, jackfruit, rambutan, avocado, Davao pomelo, Bangkok santol, and guyabano) planted across four hectares; Solana Campus – 1,136 seedlings (rambutan, lanzones, jackfruit, and avocado) across 1.77 hectares; Andrews Campus – 1,024 seedlings (mangosteen, durian, jackfruit, and avocado) across 2.22 hectares; and Carig Campus – 600 seedlings (Davao pomelo, mangosteen, durian, and avocado) across 2.08 hectares.
"In a time where AI is becoming very significant tool in our society, it's good that we are not forgetting something that is more important than AI. AI cannot do what we are doing today," said Engr. Audy R. Quebral, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension, when discussing the project rationale.
Engineer Quebral further emphasized the long-term nutritional benefits of the initiative, saying, "We are not planting only trees, but definitely fruit bearing trees that are very important in the nourishment of our young generations”.
Campus Executive Officers from the four campuses expressed their messages of commitment. Engr. Roger P. Rumpon, CEO of Carig Campus, noted that the initiative puts into action the essence of the landmark legal decision Oposa vs. Factoran, which highlights the "intergenerational responsibility" toward the environment.
Andrews Campus CEO Terence Alfred Roberto Tejada committed to ensuring consistency in the project’s implementation.
“We commit to being consistent because real change does not happen in a day, but through a continuous action. May this initiative remind us that every tree we plant is an investment not just for ourselves, but for future generations," said CEO Tejada.
Engr. Ma. Haidee Mabborang, CEO of Solana-Lara Campus, described the project as a symbol of hope. "Sama-sama nating itanim hindi lamang ang mga punong ito, kundi ang ating pagmamalasakit, pananagutan, at pag-asa," said Mabborang.
Piat Campus CEO Dr. Hitler Dangatan emphasized that the project’s success relies on a "shared vision and a shared future" among all stakeholders.
"We recognize that what we begin today will take time, patience, and care but it is a meaningful step toward a future where our university contribute as a source of food and sustainability in Cagayan," said CEO Dangatan.
Top officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region II, the Local Government Unit, and the Board of Regents affirmed their support for the project.
Atty. Carmelo "Black" Villacete, Member of the Board of Regents, urged local agricultural innovation toward regional self-sufficiency.
"Kaya kailangan talaga, ganitong klaseng innovations, magtanim tayo ng mga prutas. Kung kaya sa Mindanao, bakit hindi natin kaya rito sa Cagayan?" said Attorney Villacete.
Representing the Local Government Unit, Piat Vice Mayor Reymundo "King" Villacete III noted that the initiative goes beyond environmental conservation, emphasizing that we are not just planting trees but planting the seeds of innovation, food security, and sustainable livelihood for farmers.
Representing the OIC Regional Executive Director of DENR Region II, Engr. Manimarico Callao emphasized that the orchard project aligns with DENR’s mission of protecting and conserving natural resources.
"Bababa ang DENR para makipag-communicate, tutulong sa community... Kaya po kahit na underman ang opisina, ang DENR, kailangan nandito kami palagi sa inyo, especially sa forestry sector, sa land sector, sa environment, kailangan po ang presence ng DENR. Kaya po, kaisa po kami sa inyong advocacy,” Engineer Callao said.
Meanwhile, CSU OIC-President Engr. Arthur G. Ibañez urged the university to look beyond the present.
"Ine-encourage ko kayo, magtanim tayo. Isipin natin ang future generation. Kung walang gagawa, sinong gagawa? Kung walang mag-uumpisa, sinong mag-uumpisa? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan?" said Ibañez.
The President also announced his pledge to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that the university aims to plant almost 100 hectares across CSU lands by December 2026.
โ๏ธJ.Reylana
๐ธJP.Maderazo&K.Caparida