Blasert Force 568 Inc. Marks Rizal Day with 5-in-1 Community Activity in Lusaran, Cebu City

Kit Coronel
Dec 31, 2025
4 min read

Cebu City, Philippines — December 30, 2025. Blasert Force 568 Inc. capped its year-end initiatives with a full-packed Rizal Day celebration in Sitio Awayon, Barangay Lusaran, Cebu City, the city’s last mountain barangay bordering Balamban on the western side of Cebu.

Lusaran: A Community Rising from Calamity

The event carried added significance for Lusaran, which continues to recover from the 6.9-magnitude earthquake on September 30, 2025 that severely damaged roads, bridges, and basic infrastructure. The quake left crops destroyed and livelihoods disrupted, isolating residents in the upland barangay. Just weeks later, Typhoon Tino struck, inflicting the most devastating blows—flattening homes, washing away farmlands, and leaving families struggling to rebuild.

Against this backdrop of hardship, the Rizal Day activities became more than a commemoration; they were a symbol of resilience and solidarity.

Five-in-One Rizal Day Program

Blasert Force 568 Inc. members plant Molave and Narra seedlings in Lusaran, Cebu City on Rizal Day.

The day began before dawn with the careful selection of tree seedlings for a community tree-planting drive. By 6:00 a.m., members of the organization embarked on an hour-long trip to Lusaran, arriving at the sitio around 7:00 a.m. The group warmed up with hot coffee and noodles before commencing the planting activity.

More than 350 seedlings were planted across the area, including native and fruit-bearing species such as Molave (Vitex parviflora, locally known as Mulawin or Tugas), Narra, Guava, Mango, Jackfruit, and Guyabano (soursop).

“Environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility. By providing free seedlings, the Cebu City Agriculture Department ensures that communities like Lusaran can rebuild not only their homes but also their natural environment.” — Sir Joelito Baclayon, Department Head, Cebu City Agriculture Department (CAD)

The tree-planting project was made possible through the Cebu City Agriculture Department (CAD), led by Department Head Sir Joelito Baclayon, who generously provided the seedlings free of charge. This collaboration underscored the shared commitment of civic and government institutions to environmental sustainability.

Engr. Reynald F. Baylon delivers a lecture on drug abuse prevention to sitio residents.

By 9:30 a.m., the focus shifted to education and advocacy. A Drug Abuse Prevention Education Lecture was introduced by Blasert Force Founder and Chairman Achilles “Kit” Coronel, with the session delivered by Engr. Reynald F. Baylon, Associate Director for Finance. The lecture highlighted the importance of awareness and prevention, particularly among youth in remote communities.

At 11:00 a.m., members distributed children’s joy packages containing waterproof school envelopes, coloring books, crayons, milk, and biscuits. Shortly after, at 11:30 a.m., relief goods and Christmas packages were handed out to sitio residents and participants, spreading cheer and support during the holiday season.

Sitio Awayon children receive joy packages with school supplies and treats.

The morning’s activities culminated in a hearty lunch at noon, fostering camaraderie among volunteers and beneficiaries alike. By 1:00 p.m., the group returned to headquarters for a simple yet meaningful bonding session and Christmas party, closing the year with fellowship and gratitude.

Gratitude and Global Solidarity

Residents, beneficiaries, and children expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the United Federation of Fil-am Educators (UNIFFIED) - New Jersey Chapter, led by its President Dr. Catalina Suerte and Sacramento (CA) Chapter led by its President, Ms. Ma. Felisa Aguilar, (who is also the Project Development Director of UNIFFIED, Inc. National Board) for their donations in aid of the earthquake and typhoon survivors. Their support provided vital relief and hope for Lusaran’s recovery.

Special thanks were extended to Mr. Florante Coronel, KCR, Chapter Commander-elect of the Knights of Rizal, District 30 Chapter, New York, who was instrumental in ensuring the project’s implementation through Blasert Force 568 Inc. His efforts bridged communities across continents, turning solidarity into tangible aid.

“UNIFFIED - New Jersey & Sacramento Chapters and KoR - District 30', NY's support reminds us that compassion knows no borders. Their generosity, together with the leadership of Mr. Florante Coronel, brought hope and relief to Lusaran’s residents after the earthquake and typhoon.”

A Day of Service and Remembrance

The five-in-one Rizal Day program combined environmental action, educational advocacy, child welfare, community relief, and organizational fellowship—reflecting the holistic mission of Blasert Force 568 Inc. to serve communities while honoring the legacy of national hero Dr. José Rizal.

By integrating tree planting, preventive education, and social outreach in a community still reeling from calamity, the organization demonstrated how Rizal Day can be transformed from mere commemoration into a living practice of service, resilience, and nation-building.

This project was also done in collaboration with the CCPO - Advisory Group for Police Transformation & Development headed by Chairperson, Mrs. Marlinda Angbetic-Tan.