Forests are considered to be a source of life, providing valuable resources to communities globally and serving as home to the world’s rich biodiversity. However, deforestation caused by both natural and man-made factors continues to degrade our forests. In the Philippines alone, around 10 million hectares of forests have been lost in the last 100 years.
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 so many trees needed to be planted to revitalize our forests. Notably, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Enhanced National Greening Program, is making the necessary moves to reforest more than 7 million hectares of unproductive, denuded and degraded forestlands in the country by 2028.
In support of this, Nestlé Philippines held a simultaneous tree growing activity in Quezon City; Lipa, Batangas, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental; and Lanao del Sur last November 25, 2022 that was participated by Nestlé executives and employees, members of local communities, and volunteers from partner organizations.
Kapuso at Kasambuhay ng Kalikasan
One of the locations for the tree growing activity was the La Mesa Watershed and Eco Park in Quezon City, which was organized in partnership with GMA Network and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 200 volunteer employees from both organizations, including GMA Sparkle artists, planted a total of 900 bamboo clumps and 100 narra seedlings.
GMA Sparkle artist Kirsten Gonzales shared why she participated in the activity: “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.)
“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. “Magsama-sama tayong mga Kapuso at Kasambuhay ng Kalikasan. 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.”)
Through this initiative, Nestlé Philippines also supports Nestlé’s Global Reforestation Program that has the goal to grow 200 million trees worldwide by 2030. The program aims to contribute to the conservation and restoration of forests and natural ecosystems as well as achieving Nestlé’s net zero target by 2050.
