PBSP promotes environmental education in 2011 reforestation caravan

PBSP promotes environmental education in 2011 reforestation caravan
The Daily Tribune
June 18, 2011

The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) promises a larger, more proactive greening event this 2011 as it introduces environmental education in its annual tree-planting activity.

In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, PBSP kicks off the Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan today, June 18, in sitio of Cantipla 2, barangay Tabunan, Cebu City.

PBSP targets to plant 15,000 seedlings on six hectares with more than 800 volunteers for the kickoff event. Aside from this, volunteers are encouraged to take part in various breakout activities during the kickoff.

This year, PBSP invited experts from the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. to discuss on the unique biodiversity of the Cebu Hillylands, as well as the components of Cebu’s forests. PBSP also partnered with the Cebu Ornithological Society, which will hold an exhibit on wildlife photography and discuss the mechanics of bird watching.

The Cebu Hillylands is a 28,300-hectare lot composed of five watershed and protected areas that span Central Cebu. It is the major source of potable water for Metro Cebu, as well as home to various endemic plant and animal species and subspecies.

Last year, with help from 3,700 volunteers from 100 companies, PBSP reforested more than 300 hectares with 40 native and endemic tree species.

The foundation hopes to increase participation of agencies, companies and individuals by bringing 5,000 volunteers to plant this year.

Companies and institutions that will join the kickoff on June 18 are the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Colorado Shipyard, KPMG, Dedon Cebu Manufacturing Corp., Halsangz Cebu Plating Corp., PLDT Co., TMX Philippines, Inc., The Islands Group, HPOI Corp., Fooda Saversmart Corp., Philippine Land Corp., Smart Communications Inc., Lexmark Research and Development Corp., Punongbayan and Araullo, The Freeman, Tabok Workers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Cebu Ornithological Society, Lexmark International Philippines, Inc. and Philippine Guardians, Inc.

For the following Saturdays, Yamashin Cebu Filter Manufacturing Corp., Cathay Pacific Airways, Juanito King and Sons, Aboitiz and Co. Inc., Lexmark Research and Development Corp., Taiyo Yuden Philippines Inc., Lexmark International Philippines Inc. and Abag sa Kalikupan Inc. already committed to involve their employees to plant.

PBSP is inviting more companies to join the succeeding Saturdays of the reforestation caravan to meet its target to reforest at least 100 hectares of the Cebu Hillylands. Companies and individuals can participate in PBSP’s efforts by adopting a hectare for reforestation or by bringing employee volunteers on any scheduled Saturday of the annual caravan.

The reforestation caravan will run for 18 Saturdays until Oct. 15.

For more information, interested companies and volunteers may contact Malu Largo of PBSP at (032) 232-5283 or 232-5270 or via e-mail at MBLargo@pbsp.org.ph or pbspvro@pbsp.org.ph.