Solidifying its commitment to being environmental stewards, AboitizPower subsidiary GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co. (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD) recently completed their annual reforestation initiative, OkTREEberfest, in the province of Bataan last October 3 and 8, 2024. 

In partnership with the Local Government Units of Orani and Samal, GMEC and GNPD held back-to-back tree-planting ceremonies at their respective adopted mangrove sites in Bataan to make a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability while bolstering the resilience of coastal areas.

Branching into Action: GMEC’s Mangrove Reforestation Initiatives Reach New Levels

In June 2023, GMEC signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Provincial Government of Bataan, the Municipality of Orani, and the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association for the adoption and rehabilitation of the five-hectare mangrove site in Brgy. Kabalutan, Orani, Bataan for a span of five years.

This year, GMEC extended their agreement and decided to adopt another five hectares to help restore a larger area of mangroves in Bataan and transform it into an eco-park, providing a source of sustainable livelihood for the members of Tubo-tubo Fisherfolk and their families. 

In line with this, GMEC refocused its annual OkTREEberfest leg by planting mangroves, instead of their usual mountain rehabilitation in the past years. A total of 1,000 mangrove seedlings were planted by 20 volunteer employees and the Tubo-tubo members. 

After the successful mangrove planting activity, Joseph Chavez, CSR Program Manager of GMEC – RSM, expressed gratitude to all the volunteers who took time out of their busy work schedules to join the initiative. “Maraming salamat po sa palaging pagsama at patuloy na pagsuporta sa mga programa natin para sa ating mga partners sa Tubo-tubo,” he said.

This was seconded by Kristian San Diego, Environment Programs Supervisor of GMEC – RSM, who also highlighted the importance of OkTREEberfest, both to the environment and the livelihood of the members. “Sana sa susunod ay makita po namin kayo ulit, hintayin lang po natin ang patuloy na development program natin sa area, mas dadami pa po at mas gaganda ang ating mangrove area.”

GMEC Volunteer employees and members of the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolk Association planting the mangroves

Growing Green Bonds: GNPD Scholars and Employees Unite for Mangrove Reforestation

This year, GNPD started their mangrove adoption and rehabilitation project at Samal, Bataan, to further support and enhance the environmental landscape of the province of Bataan. This OkTREEberfest leg will also signal the beginning of GNPD’s partnership with the Local Government Unit of Samal in reviving their mangrove areas.

GNPD personnel, LGU representatives, and scholars of GNPD’s College Scholarship Program planted a total of 1,000 mangrove seedlings, making the total planted mangroves 2,000 along with GMEC. The initiative demonstrates GNPD’s efforts in fostering environmental awareness and empowering local youth to contribute actively to conservation projects.

GMEC Volunteer employees and members of the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolk Association planting the mangroves

Mangroves play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, preventing coastal erosion, and providing natural protection against storm surges, making them ideal for the saltwater environments in Samal. This year’s focus species, Avicennia and Sonneratia, were chosen for their adaptability and substantial ecological benefits. Moreover, these species are also the perfect fit for the quality of water and land in Bataan. 

“Ang mga karaniwang puno po ay may kakayahang mag-absorb ng carbon dioxide, pero ang mga mangroves po ay may special powers sila kung tawagin,” explained Mistylyn Isidro, Officer of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) when asked about the importance of mangroves in Bataan. “Kung ang mga puno pong ito ay kaya mag-absorb ng 1-2 times ng carbon dioxide, ang mangroves po ay kaya ng mas doble. Kung iisipin po natin kung gaano karaming carbon dioxide ang kaya nilang i-absorb, ganun din po kalaki ang ating maitutulong para makabawas sa climate change.” 

OkTREEberfest has now become a tradition in GMEC and GNPD, serving as an annual display of the organization’s drive to uphold environmental sustainability and strengthen community engagement by introducing employee volunteers to its partner communities. 

This initiative satisfies the letter P and R of GMEC and GNPD’s CSR DNA, P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S., which stands for Protect Marine Life and Reforest Land. With each seedling that our volunteers plant, we help revitalize the ecological landscape of the province, ensuring that future generations will have a greener, more sustainable planet to live in.