Smart, PSF recall ‘Ondoy’ devastation, hold nationwide tree planting
PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications led a nationwide tree planting activity on Sept. 26 to commemorate the 10th year since Tropical Storm “Ondoy” (international name: Ketsana) hit the Philippines and caused severe flooding, loss of lives, and damage to property.
The simultaneous tree planting initiative across the country is part of the #PlanetSmart initiative of PLDT and Smart, which aims to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by harnessing technology and promoting collective effort for environmental protection. It is also in line with the celebration of the World Environmental Health Day.
“Deforestation is one of the causes of flooding, and we saw that during Ondoy. The devastating floods opened the eyes of everyone to the importance of saving our forest cover, particularly in the Marikina Watershed,” said Ramon Isberto, PLDT-Smart public affairs head.
PLDT-Smart employees and partners will conduct simultaneous tree planting sessions in Marikina Watershed, Antipolo; Talavera Watershed, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija; and Cebu Hillyland, Cebu City; while volunteers will plant mangrove seedlings in Minanga, Buayan, General Santos City.
Smart has been planting trees since 2004 in an effort to offset its greenhouse gas emissions in its operations.
Together with various private collaborators, community stakeholders, school partners, and volunteers from PLDT-Smart and sister-companies, Smart has planted over one million seedlings and propagules in adopted planting sites, including Marikina Watershed and Ipo Watershed, Sasmuan Bangkung Malapad Critical Habitat and Eco-tourism Area, Calatagan, Subic, Mt. Banahaw, Puerto Princesa, and Calabanga in Camarines Sur in Luzon; Cebu, Olango Island, Negros Oriental and Occidental, Iloilo, Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, and Bohol in Visayas; and Misamis Oriental, Surigao, Zamboanga, Sarangani, Digos, Davao City, and Tawi-Tawi in Mindanao.