SURIGAO CITY, Philippines – Three MSC Centennial Trees were planted by government and church leaders on 11 December 2008 at the MSC Shrine in Canlanipa, Surigao City. The tree-planting ceremony was part of the grand celebration of the Centenary of the MSC presence and mission in the Philippines.

The trees are locally known as mangkono and internationally as Philippine iron wood. Its scientific name is Xanthostemon verdugonianus.

The trees were blessed by Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. Immediately after the blessing, the trees were planted by Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Ace Barbers, Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra, Surigao Bishop Antonieto Cabajog, MSC General Superior Fr Mark McDonald, MSC Provincial Superior Fr Tito Maratas Jr, DOLSH Regional Superior Sr Marife Mendoza and MSC Sisters Superior Sr Nicola Sprenger.

The following is a slideshow of the photos taken during the blessing and planting of trees. The photos can also be found here.