The Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) Foundation has adopted a mangrove reforestation site in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, under the National Greening Program (NGP), launching a long-term effort to boost environmental stewardship and strengthen local livelihoods.
In a statement, TMP Foundation said that the site adoption is part of its 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 initiative, the foundation mobilized approximately 110 volunteers from the TMP network, Mariano Marcos State University-College of Industrial Technology, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-CENRO Bangui, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office and local residents of Barangay Davila. The group planted a total of 1,750 mangrove seedlings.
The planting 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, where 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.
The mangrove site had deteriorated over the years due to human activity, resulting in environmental degradation and reduced livelihood opportunities for the community. The DENR — CENRO Bangui cited that mangrove restoration strengthens disaster resilience, protects shorelines, supports marine biodiversity and contributes to carbon sequestration.