The Commission on Higher Education – Caraga Regional Office conducted a malunggay tree-growing activity on the morning of March 31, 2022 at the grounds of the Barangay Hall of Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City.
The activity was spearheaded by Director IV George M. Colorado in line with the celebration of Women’s Month 2022. The activity was also chosen in relation to the special advocacy project of the Regional Office to plant and grow one million malunggay trees within the Fiscal Year 2022.
With the partnership of the key officials of the barangay, the CHED Caraga personnel were able to plant 42 malunggay saplings. It is hoped that when the saplings mature, they can help provide additional nutrition and health benefits for the families residing in the barangay.
A staple in Filipino diets, malunggay is known for being rich in essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids, including iron, calcium, vitamins A, E & K, as well as being high in antioxidants and fiber. Malunggay has also been shown to aid in the increased production of breastmilk in nursing mothers.
The tree-growing activity was organized and conducted to achieve the following objectives in relation to Women’s Month: to raise awareness on the importance of malunggay leaves to women, especially lactating and breastfeeding mothers; and to grow malunggay trees in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.