The Philippines is a country known for its rich natural resources. But due to irresponsible logging, the country’s trees are depleting fast and forests are rapidly becoming denuded. It’s clear Mother Nature needs our help.
With this in mind, the Manila Standard adopted two hectares of land at Barangay Pamusuan, Norzagaray, Bulacan in line with their Corporate Social Responsibility and 8th Sowing – Adopt A Tree project.
According to Edgar Valmorida, the project is a collaboration among the Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc.,the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Briquetors Association of the Philippines Inc. (BAP).
These lands were National Greening Program (NGP) established sites under the Community Environment and Natural Resources Tabang (CENRO Tabang) in Guiguinto, Bulacan, wherein 1.5 billion trees are to be planted within the area. This project is expected to increase the forest cover by 12 percent.
Close to 4,000 trees and mangrove seedlings have been planted throughout the eight sowing activities mounted by the publication.
In fact, in their latest sowing activity, the Manila Standard CSR Champions were able to plant 250 Narra trees last August 19.
In addition to that, Valmorida claims public interest spiked in between these activities.
“More and more clients are interested and engaged to support our Adopt A Tree project compared before,î he noted. “Especially when they see how big the trees are now from the time we planted way back eight years ago.
Valmorida noted the increase of Manila Standard employees who are willing to participate and volunteer their efforts to the CSR project. For them, the tree planting activity is a great instrument to foster camaraderie amongst themselves while saving the environment.
‘‘This CSR project is a unique opportunity for us to work together and help save our planet. We aim to contribute and lessen the effects of climate change in the country since trees help prevent a number of natural disasters such as flooding and landslides,’’ he added.
Helping the environment does not stop there. To maintain upleep for the planted seeds, Valmorida disclosed they need to visit planting sites at least every six months to replace seedlings that did not survive. In addition, they must ensure there is no introduction or construction of permanent structures in the area.
In November, the Manila Standard will revisit Calatagan, Batangas to plant additional mangrove seedlings and for maintenance and protection activities of the environment.
This movement to save the environment was co-presented by San Miguel Corporation along with the generous aid of Megaworld Corporation and Globe Telecoms.