The initiative combines Aboitiz Foundation’s CarbonPH program with GCash’s GForest platform.
CarbonPH is a long-term nature-based climate program focused on reforestation, watershed management, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration. Aboitiz Foundation said it has a 40-year commitment to restore forest landscapes in Cebu, with a long-term ambition covering more than 40,000 to 71,000 hectares, primarily within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape and surrounding areas.
GCash, meanwhile, said 4.9 million trees have already been planted through GForest. The additional 1 million trees under the Cebu project will bring the company closer to its goal of planting 10 million trees by 2030.
“CarbonPH is about looking beyond the number of trees we plant. It is about restoring entire ecosystems and making sure they continue to provide value to people and communities for generations,” Aboitiz Foundation President Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar said.
Over five years, the project will establish a mix of agroforestry, indigenous and native trees, and mangroves in identified areas in Balamban.
The partners said agroforestry activities are intended to support sustainable livelihoods, while native tree planting will help restore forest ecosystems and biodiversity. Mangrove rehabilitation will also be undertaken to improve coastal ecosystems and strengthen natural protection against climate-related risks.
Local communities will participate in planting, maintenance and the long-term protection of restored areas.
Michelle Fernandez, Mynt head of corporate sustainability and communications, said the partnership will allow GCash users’ digital activities to support environmental projects through GForest.
Under GForest, users earn green energy points from selected activities on the GCash app, which can then be used to support tree-planting projects.
The initiative forms part of CarbonPH’s wider goal of improving water security, protecting biodiversity, capturing carbon and supporting climate-resilient livelihoods in Cebu.
