The Commission on Higher Education – Caraga Regional Office (CHED Caraga) conducted a malunggay tree-growing activity on the morning of May 18, 2022 at Barangay Taligaman, Butuan City in celebration of the 2nd National Higher Education Day (NHED) and CHED 28th Founding Anniversary.

The activity was spearheaded by Director IV George M. Colorado in line with the celebration of the aforementioned anniversaries. 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. This was the second malunggay tree-growing activity conducted by CHED Caraga, with the first held earlier in the year on March 31.

With the partnership of the key officials of the barangay, the CHED Caraga personnel were able to plant 100 malunggay saplings in the fertile soils by the highway. 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. 

The tree-growing activity was organized and conducted to achieve the following objectives in relation to the CHED Caraga Health and Wellness activities in celebration of the 2nd NHED and CHED 28th Founding Anniversary: to improve the overall health of the personnel; and to enhance effective coordination between the employees.