Nestlé Philippines, together with GMA Network, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Million Trees Foundation Inc., and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) organized a tree growing activity last November 25, 2022 at the La Mesa Watershed and Eco Park in Quezon City.
A total of 900 bamboo clumps and 100 narra seedlings were planted by 200 volunteer employees, including GMA Sparkle artists Anjay Jayson and Kirsten Gonzales.
“We believe na kapag nagsama-sama tayo para sa environment, we can really make a difference,” said Nestlé Philippines Vice President for Corporate Communications Michelle Pador. “Protektahan at mahalin natin ang ating environment hindi lang para sa ating mga anak, kung hindi para sa future generations.”
(“We believe we can really make a difference if we work together for the environment,” said Nestlé Philippines Vice President for Corporate Communications Michelle Pador. “Let us come together for the environment. Let’s protect it not just for the sake of our children but also for the future generations to come.”)
“Nature has given us everything like food and shelter. So, I think it’s time na we give back din and help the environment, kasi it’s for us din naman,” (So, I think it’s also time for us to give back and help the environment, because it’s for our benefit as well,) said Kirsten Gonzales.
DENR USec. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh and Mel Andrea Velasco, Project Manager of Million Trees Foundation were also in attendance during the activity that was also in celebration of the National Environment Awareness Month in the country.
Similar tree-growing activities were also simultaneously held by Nestlé Philippines in Lipa, Batangas; Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental; and Lanao del Sur in support of Nestlé’s Global Reforestation Program, which has the goal to grow 200 million trees worldwide by 2030. The program also aims to contribute to the conservation and restoration of forests and natural ecosystems as well as achieving Nestlé’s net zero target by 2050.
As of 2020, 7.226 million hectares or 24.2% of the country’s total land area are covered with forests. While these numbers are higher compared to the past five years, there is still so much to be done to address deforestation and its impacts on agriculture, food security, livelihoods, biodiversity, and important ecosystem functions.
