Growing a greener future, one tap at a time

Growing a greener future, one tap at a time | Daily Tribune

Imagine making a difference for the planet with just a few taps on your phone. That’s exactly what millions of Filipinos are doing through GForest, GCash’s innovative in-app feature that turns everyday digital transactions into real, thriving forests. By simply paying bills, sending money, or buying load, users earn green energy points that allow them to plant virtual trees — each one matched by an actual tree planted in key areas across the country.

In 2024 alone, GForest’s 21 million active “Green Heroes” joined forces with planting partners to plant 4 million trees. It reinforced the ecological and socio-economic impact of reforestation and agroforestry initiatives in collaboration with the ABS-CBN Foundation, Culion Foundation Inc. (CFI), Friends of Hope, Inc. (FHI), the Philippine Coffee Board Inc., Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., Silliman University and The World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

“GForest is a key innovation within GCash that’s simple, easy, and accessible, allowing us to use tech for good to empower every Filipino to be part of the solution,” said CJ Alegre, GCash head for sustainability.

“Environmental conservation is a shared responsibility, so it is amazing to see the significant strides we can make together to promote sustainability and combat climate change. We look forward to building on this strong foundation.”

Science, tech for a sustainable future

Each tree planted is carefully selected based on environmental suitability, ensuring long-term sustainability. Partner organizations follow strict ecological standards, planting a mix of native species, fruit-bearing trees, coffee trees and mangroves that not only restore forests but also provide economic opportunities for local communities.

Since 2018, GForest and WWF-Philippines have planted 220,000 trees in the Ipo Watershed, a critical source of Metro Manila’s water supply. Meanwhile, their partnership with the ABS-CBN Foundation helped restore 180 hectares of land in the La Mesa Watershed, with 160,000 trees now thriving in the area.

GForest’s initiatives have also expanded into agroforestry. Collaborations with PCBI and FHI have introduced native coffee tree seedlings in Cavite and Benguet, directly supporting smallholder farmers. FHI’s agroforestry program alone benefits over 7,300 farmers and their families.

In Palawan, GForest and CFI are championing coastal sustainability, having planted 325,000 mangroves in Coron and Culion since 2022. Similar efforts are underway in Negros Oriental, where GForest and Silliman University launched a five-year project to plant 180,000 mangroves and beach trees to combat climate change.

Cebu’s reforestation efforts reached a new high in 2024, with 800,000 mangroves planted that year alone, bringing the total to 1.4 million trees since the partnership began.

Beyond reforestation, GForest ensures that sustainability also means economic growth for local communities. Each tree planted creates livelihood opportunities, with local farmers and fisherfolk responsible for growing and maintaining the trees. Many earn up to P25,000 annually, providing much-needed financial support to rural households.

Unlike typical reforestation projects, GForest’s model ensures that all planting proceeds go directly to the farmers and fisherfolk, allowing them to benefit fully from the initiative.

GForest is proof that technology, when used with purpose, can drive real-world change. By bringing together millions of eco-conscious Filipinos, conservation experts, and local communities, GCash has created a movement that goes beyond digital transactions — it’s a collective effort to secure a greener, more sustainable future.

With 4 million trees planted and counting, GForest continues to grow, one tap at a time.