YGC partners with Tanay IP for Sierra Madre reforestation
THE Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC) has embarked on a forward-looking project of planting 50,000 native trees within a sprawling 100 hectares in Mt. Bangkaan in the Sierra Madre.
Such a massive project in the longest mountain range in the Philippines will benefit not only Sierra Madre’s biodiversity but also the entire population of Greater Metro Manila, from a sustainable watershed protection.
In 2011, the denigration of the forest cover in Mt. Bangkaan was already apparent. This same condition appears to be the common landscape in many parts of Sierra Madre and most of the country’s forestlands.
That same year, the YGC Earth Care Project was born, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the indigenous people (IP) of Tanay.
The objectives of the project include reforestation and watershed protection, both of which are expected to contribute to the overall well-being of Filipinos.
To date, there are 23,000 forest trees planted along the 58-hectare plant site, most of which are now over 20 feet high.
“I would like to commend our YGC Earth Care mountaineers — the volunteers from different YGC companies who have selflessly shared their time and energy and our dedicated partners such as DENR in ensuring that we maintain this fine balance, protecting the present and our futures,” YGC Chairman Helen Yuchengco Dee said.
The next big step for the project is to cover the remaining 42 hectares under Phase 4. On Sept. 12, planting activity under Phase 4 got underway involving mostly fruit trees and crops.
“What we take, we must give back — ensuring balance, peace, stability, and sustainability. Remember, the actions we take today have a direct consequence on our tomorrow. And this impact is not limited to our own personal sphere, it affects us all,” she stressed.