TMP Foundation adopts Ilocos Norte mangrove site in major climate initiative
GREEN WAVE IN ILOCOS NORTE. Volunteers from Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation, MMSU, DENR–CENRO Bangui, MENRO, and local communities plant mangrove seedlings in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte as part of TMP Foundation’s adoption of a National Greening Program reforestation site aimed at boosting climate resilience and local livelihoods.
Photograph courtesy of Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation
The Ty-led Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) Foundation has adopted a mangrove reforestation site in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte under the National Greening Program (NGP), in a long-term effort to boost environmental stewardship, strengthen local livelihoods, and support climate mitigation initiatives.
The project forms part of TMP Foundation’s commitment to nurture one million trees by 2030, a goal announced by Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation and TMP Foundation chairman Alfred V. Ty during the Foundation’s 35th anniversary celebration in July.
To launch the site adoption, the Foundation mobilized around 110 volunteers from the TMP network, Mariano Marcos State University–College of Industrial Technology (MMSU-CIT), the DENR–CENRO Bangui, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), and local residents of Barangay Davila. The group planted a total of 1,750 mangrove seedlings.
The activity was followed by the signing of a tripartite agreement among the municipal government of Pasuquin, MMSU, and the TMP Foundation.
Under the Memorandum of Agreement, the coastal conservation project will run for two years and cover two hectares of land. A total of 3,500 native mangrove species, including Lapis-lapis and Arinaya, will be planted.
“This project seeks to empower local communities, enhance stakeholder capacities, and promote shared stewardship of these coastal forests,” said Jose Maria Aligada, president of the TMP Foundation.
Coastal ecosystem rehabilitation
The mangrove site had deteriorated over the years due to human activity, resulting in environmental degradation and reduced livelihood opportunities for the community. According to DENR–CENRO Bangui, mangrove restoration strengthens disaster resilience, protects shorelines, supports marine biodiversity, and contributes to carbon sequestration.
Through the initiative, TMP Foundation aims to help Pasuquin build stronger natural defenses against climate impacts while providing supplemental income for residents. Members of an organized People’s Organization (PO) will receive monthly compensation for mangrove monitoring and maintenance during the project’s duration.
Expanding the ‘Green Wave’
The Foundation is also expanding the All Toyota Green Wave Project beyond CALABARZON, where 228 hectares of NGP sites have already been adopted. The Green Wave contributes to Toyota’s global target of planting one million trees by 2030 and forms part of the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050.
TMP Foundation continues to strengthen its internal volunteer ecosystem and partnerships for environmental education, biodiversity conservation—including tamaraw protection in Mindoro—and aquatic ecosystem restoration.