Bobby Alaman / Caryl Trisha Yapac - MUCEP
March 4, 2026 10:50 A.M.
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MOVE Celebrates 25 Years of Environmental Volunteerism at HUGPONG 2026
The Misamis Occidental Volunteers for the Environment (MOVE) MU-Chapter celebrated 25 years of dedicated environmental service during HUGPONG 2026, a two-day event held on January 17–18 at Hoyohoy, Tangub City bufferzone of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park. The milestone honored a legacy of volunteerism, community care, and a shared commitment towards sustainability.
Since its founding in 2001, MOVE has been a grassroots leader in environmental advocacy across Misamis Occidental, mobilizing volunteers for tree planting, community clean-ups, environmental education, and local sustainability initiatives. This year’s celebration brought together volunteers, community partners, and local officials for hands-on activities, including tree growing, community outreach, and river trekking along the headwaters of the Labo River. This reflects MOVE’s enduring mission to protect and nurture the environment.
TREE GROWING OF 50 PHILIPPINE ENDEMIC NARRA SEEDLINGS
Fifty Philippine endemic Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) seedlings were recently planted along the trails leading to the Migcanaway River in Barangay Hoyohoy, Tangub City. The tree-planting activity brought together MOVE members, their advisers, and other young volunteers, who actively participated alongside Mt. Malindang Park Rangers—Emelio Zambra, John Jumawan, Lito Segovia, and Nilo Tabalba—from the DENR Protected Area Management Office. Leadership and support were also provided by the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Hoyohoy, under Hon. Dondie Fiel, ensuring smooth coordination and community involvement.
The DENR-CENRO Ozamiz City, through OIC CENR Officer Elizabeth Gran, generously provided the 50 Narra seedlings used as planting materials. This collaborative effort not only contributes to local reforestation initiatives but also promotes the conservation of endemic tree species, helping to restore and safeguard the natural landscapes of Misamis Occidental. Activities like these strengthen community engagement in environmental stewardship, encouraging the younger generation to take an active role in protecting the province’s rich biodiversity.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Seventy children, residents of Barangay Hoyohoy, Tangub City (one of the buffer zone barangays of the Mount Malindang Range Natural Park), participated in a Storytelling session aimed at raising awareness among the younger generation about the importance of MMRNP and inspiring them to become “green multipliers” in their communities.
The session featured the storytelling of “Malin in Malindang”, facilitated by Megalou Pabiran, a Doctor of Dental Medicine student and a MOVE volunteer. Following the launch of this storybook, MOVE adopted the activity as part of its educational outreach to instill a sense of shared responsibility in protecting the lifeblood of Misamisnon and neighboring communities in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
The story follows Malin, a young girl brought to Mt. Malindang, who encounters the surprises, mysteries, and wonders of the lush forest. Alone in the mountain range, she must find guidance to navigate the forest and ultimately return as a steward of Mt. Malindang, symbolizing the role of future generations in conserving the park.
Children listened attentively, inspired by Malin’s journey, and expressed hope that their own love for Mt. Malindang will continue to grow as they do. The storytelling was followed by community games, the distribution of books provided by Misamis University, and the sharing of clothes generously donated by MOVE volunteers.
Labo River Trekking
The Labo River, one of the major rivers in Misamis Occidental, has its headwaters in the Mount Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP). It supports agriculture, industry, and local households, making the protection of its environment a top priority.
For MOVE volunteers, trekking along the river was more than just an activity; it was a journey of reflection and commitment. The river bore witness to the chapter’s 25-year legacy of volunteerism, and the trek served as a reminder of their ongoing role as stewards and guardians of this vital natural resource.
The celebration of HUGPONG 2026 marked 25 years of MOVE’s unwavering commitment to environmental volunteerism and community service. Through tree growing, storytelling, outreach activities, and river trekking, MOVE strengthened its partnership with the community of Hoyohoy and reaffirmed its mission to protect Mt. Malindang and its surrounding ecosystems. The event also symbolized continuity in leadership and responsibility for the next generation of volunteers. As MOVE moves forward, it carries with it a renewed dedication to sustainability, stewardship, and service for Misamis Occidental.
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