Winford Manila Resort & Casino (WMRC) joined forces with ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. (AFI) at the La Mesa Nature Reserve for a scheduled tree-planting activity on August 6, 2022.
Bannered under WMRC’s Green Drive corporate social responsibility (CSR) program geared toward promoting environmental sustainability through employee engagement, WMRC executives and employees were welcomed by AFI Operations Manager for Save La Mesa Watershed Project, Ms. Sarah Alcayde-Agcaoili.
The project is part of AFI’s environmental program, Bantay Kalikasan, which is committed to preserving and enhancing Philippine biodiversity and making every Filipino a vigilant steward of the environment.
“In 2019, we held our 1st tree-planting activity at Angat Watershed in Bulacan,” said Mr. Jeff Evora, President & COO, WMRC. “The purpose of that activity was to raise awareness of climate change and how planting trees can help diminish its negative effects.”
“Today, we revisit our environmental cause by appreciating our country’s biodiversity up close. All these trees provide fresh air and clean water not just for us to breathe and drink, but for our grandchildren and future generations to benefit from as well.”
Evora and his WMRC team then proceeded to plant 400 young trees across one hectare of forest as part of their efforts to realize the shared vision with AFI for a cleaner and greener Philippines.
“With the help of partners like WMRC, we have rehabilitated 1,552 hectares of forest for over 20 years now,” said Agcaoili. “We have also established protocols and systems that ensure successful reforestaton based on science and best practices.”
WMRC partipants were guided by experienced Bantay Kalikasan forest workers during the activity who adhere to plantation establishment and maintenance practices that allow for a high 90% survival rate of the seedlings planted.