News
Tree
planting
activity
in
the
Philippines
leaving
a
legacy
for
future
generations
In a bid to bolster environmental sustainability and combat climate change, SMEC recently spearheaded a tree planting and clean-up activity at the Laguna-Quezon Land Grant in Siniloan, Laguna, a vital area for biodiversity conservation and environmental protection in the Philippines. The initiative, held on 2 June 2024, marked SMEC’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship, planting trees as a legacy for generations to come.

In line with the central theme of “SJ Sustainability Week – Regenerate,” an initiative spearheaded by the Surbana Jurong Group, of which SMEC is a member, the event stressed the crucial importance of nurturing nature for climate action and ecological resilience. SMEC has consistently shown commitment to this cause through efforts to restore the local ecosystem and cultivate a deep bond with nature, exemplified by annual CSR activities such as tree planting.

The endeavour was a collaborative effort with Fostering Education & Environment for Development, Inc. (FEED), a non-profit organisation dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainable development in the Philippines. FEED’s collaboration with SMEC Philippines in this tree planting initiative exemplifies its commitment to forging impactful solutions for environmental stewardship and ecological resilience.

The key highlight was the planting of various Philippine indigenous trees, carefully selected for their ecological significance and endemic nature. Species like Bagtikan, Daligdigan, Dulitan, Malaruhat-puti and Mayapis were among those planted, underscoring the endeavour’s focus on preserving biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. Nearly 50 SMEC employees participated in the planting of 600 trees.

To ensure accountability and long-term monitoring, SMEC partnered with FEED’s innovative “Track Your Tree” system. This pioneering approach leverages GPS technology to remotely monitor the growth and health of planted trees, fostering transparency and data-driven conservation efforts.

On the way back from the tree planting site, SMEC staff also conducted a clean-up operation to pick up trash, further demonstrating commitment to environmental stewardship and leaving a positive impact on the local environment.

The event also served as a platform to promote sustainable livelihoods and community development. SMEC’s collaboration with FEED extends beyond tree planting, encompassing initiatives aimed at supporting local communities and advancing education in agricultural, environmental and sustainability sciences.

As our SMEC staff continue to champion environmental stewardship and corporate citizenship, each tree planted in this initiative represents a legacy for future generations, a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of climate challenges. Through this collective action and partnership, SMEC reaffirms its role as a catalyst for positive change and sustainability in the communities it serves.
— Libby Paholski, Chairperson SMEC SEA & Pacific CSR Committee