Manulife Philippines, in partnership with Haribon Foundation, recently led reforestation efforts in the province of Quezon as part of advancing Manulife’s Impact Agenda, a long-term commitment of the leading international financial services provider to deliver meaningful programs that empower sustained health and well-being, drive inclusive economic opportunity, and accelerate a sustainable future to preserve the planet.
Manulife Philippines employees, volunteers, and the Barangay Tanauan Farmers Association took part in Haribon Foundation’s Forests for Life Movement to help reforest conservation areas in Sierra Madre. The Philippines lost more than 150,000 hectares of primary forest from 2002 to 2020. Native tree planting initiatives are crucial in aiding the replenishment of the country’s natural forests, while also providing ecological goods and services.
“As a global company, we have seen how climate change has affected the business, public health, and the livelihoods of various communities we operate in. Recognizing the link between environmental and financial stewardship, which brings us closer to fulfilling our mission of giving Filipinos confidence to plan for their future, we proudly champion the fight against climate change. As part of driving our Impact Agenda in the Philippines, our partnership with Haribon Foundation can give us more on-ground progress to protect the environment we live in, enabling us to build a better business to better the world,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.
Anna Varona, Chief Operations Officer, of Haribon Foundation, added: “Our “rainforestation” efforts not only protect the wildlife and contribute to biodiversity conservation but also safeguard the surrounding communities that reside in the area. Our partnership with Manulife amplifies the key role of the private sector in environmental protection, as they strengthen our cause by taking more concrete steps to address the most crucial environmental concerns. We thank Manulife for embarking on this initiative, helping us ensure that the ecological benefits from the forests will be enjoyed by Filipinos in the future, and our natural heritage will live on.”
