Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 26) — San Miguel Corp.’s power unit is set to plant 1.1 million seedlings this year alone across eight provinces as part of its seven-year upland and mangrove rehabilitation initiative.
In a statement, the company said SMC Global Power Holdings Corp.’s “Project 747” will cover 4,000 hectares of land across Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Quezon, Albay, Negros Occidental, and Davao Occidental.
This will be on top of 1,994,988 seedlings and propagules the company has planted in over 620 hectares since the program was launched in 2019, it noted.
“With close to two million trees planted in two years, this shows the dedication and commitment of our SMC Global Power’s employee volunteers, our partner organizations, and our government agencies, in rehabilitating forests and growing new ones in both upland and coastal areas,” SMC President and CEO Ramon Ang said.
He added that last year, only 900,000 trees and mangroves were planted due to pandemic restrictions. They intend to make up for it this year when the rainy season starts, he said.
This environmental program serves as a carbon sequestration mechanism to help mitigate climate change.
“Sustainability has always been ingrained in our company culture and built into all aspects of our businesses, that is why we continuously invest on programs that preserve the environment and promote environmental stewardship among various stakeholders,” Ang said.
He also underscored the vital role of farmers and fishermen in the implementation of the program since they are able to help identify what indigenous tree varieties are to be planted in their respective areas. They are also important in the implementation of planting and livelihood initiatives and ensuring survival of young trees, he added.
The company also works with the Environment department in identifying plant species that are endemic in an area and knowing the right way to nurture these.
Varieties planted in upland forests are Narra, Molave, White Lauan, Palosapis, Agoho, Batino, Igang, and Malabayabas while mangrove varieties being planted include Bakawan Babae, Bakawan Lalaki, Bungalon, and Api-Api.
Aside from tree planting, the initiative also covers programs on empowering communities, livelihood development, a Biochar Community Enterprise Development project, Adopt-a-River, and Coral Reef Rehabilitation projects.
