Toyota holds reforestation, livelihood development in Siniloan anew

MANILA: Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has once again conducted its latest nature-conservation thrust in an adopted land in Siniloan, Laguna.

According to the local automotive giant, a total of 56 volunteers planted a total of 1,000 tree seedlings that are expected to boost biodiversity, enhance potential livelihood of locals, as well as develop future carbon sinks.

The participants in the program (which is also the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) National Greening Program were from TMP’s workforce, GT Capital Holdings, DENR-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and the People’s Organization of Siniloan.

Part of the Sierra Madre mountain range, the aforementioned site is part of a critical ecosystem — being home to the Philippines’ oldest forests and a habitat for endemic flora and fauna.

In a statement, TMP shared that it will provide financial compensation to the People’s Organization of Siniloan for every hectare that the members will nurture, monitor, and maintain. Upon completion with a high survival rate, the tree species that were selected by the DENR are expected to eventually generate income for the residents through agroforestry.

Currently TMP has planted 21,000 out of the 25,000-target (mix of native fruit-bearing and timber tree seedlings) since the company started its rehabilitation efforts on the aforementioned site in 2022.

“Recognizing the urgency to address the current effects of climate change, Toyota is driven to actively pursue carbon neutrality and coexist in harmony with nature,” TMP President Masando Hashimoto was quoted as saying.

“I would like to express my gratitude to our partners from the DENR, the local community of Siniloan, and volunteers for dedicating their time and exerting efforts to make a climate action and impact today,” he added.

The said program is part of the “All Toyota Green Wave Project.” Launched in 2015 under the “Toyota Global Environmental Challenge 2050,” the said move is said to be a global initiative that aims to connect the brand’s stakeholder network to nature and communities while addressing environmental issues and supporting local livelihoods.

Aside from reforestation, TMP’s efforts also include tree and mangrove planting activities and coastal and riverside clean-ups.

As of the moment, TMP has around 108 hectares of active NGP sites in Lian and Calatagan in Batangas province, as well as a rainforest block in Maragondon in Cavite province.

Photos from Toyota Motor Philippines

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