THROUGH its various initiatives and partnerships with customers, Globe Telecom Inc. has raised P15.65 million to cover 156 hectares of reforestation sites in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur in Mindanao, doubling its replanting, watershed conservation and carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction efforts to combat climate change.
Globe, in its long-term tie up with Hineleban Foundation, has sequestered a conservative estimate of 25,083.13 metric tons of CO2 with the aim of reducing 96,069.04 metric tons of CO2 by 2025.
It was able to accomplish this by planting a healthy mix of temporary species of calliandra and indigenous trees, such as narra, white and red lauan, mamalis, bitaog, ulayan and katii.
During the initial stages of their program, the foundation worked with Banga Watershed Farmers Development Cooperative. It is now working with the Kaliwawa Salawagan Talaandig Tribal Agricultural Cooperative consisting of 52 families to help in succeeding reforestation activities.
“We are grateful to Globe for being our reliable ally in our reforestation efforts. Our partnership is a true testament that when various stakeholders come together, there are no limits to what we can achieve,” said Georgia Perrine, general manager of Hineleban Foundation.
“Our rainforestation team takes extra steps to ensure each seedling thrives, and with your generous help, make sure that it takes deep root in the soil in the first years of its long life,” Perrine added.
Besides Hineleban, the Ayala-led firm also engaged in a five-year partnership with The Mead Foundation since 2019 to undertake permanent reforestation activities in the upland areas of Iba, Zambales.
The area has been severely denuded, resulting in the loss of flora and fauna, invasive cogon grass establishment and regular fires.
To date, an initial three hectares were planted with over 30,000 seedlings. More native and indigenous trees will soon be planted once pioneer species mature, Globe said.
The project, likewise, provided livelihood to the displaced Aeta communities, both in the planting activities and the foundation’s ongoing forest ranger programs.
“The Mead Foundation together with our local Aeta partners are very grateful for this kind and generous support from Globe,” said Ben Mead, founder of The Mead Foundation. “Together in this joint reforestation effort we can help return the ecological balance of the local environment while giving provision of alternative income generating activities for the displaced Aeta residents of Zambales.”
“Help us make this project a success by supporting and donating through the GCash app,” Mead added.
Globe has also tied up with the Zoological Society of London for its mangrove rehabilitation program in Iloilo which is set to start this year.
“The task of restoring our rainforests is massive and goes beyond planting trees. Together with our customers and other stakeholders, we can also help protect critical watersheds, increase biodiversity, establish forest habitats, sequester greenhouse gases, and improve local livelihoods,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe chief sustainability officer and senior vice president for corporate communications.
For this initiative, customers of Globe can donate their Rewards points or GCash credits. Every 100 Rewards points donation is equivalent to one tree, and every P100 donation via GCash is equivalent to 1 tree planted.
Just download the Globe Rewards app via https://www.globe.com.ph/rewards.html#GRewardsApp