The country’s #1 oil company has a rather unique way of celebrating its 85th birthday. Petron Corporation has adopted at least 85 hectares of land in different parts of the country so it can reforest them with mangroves, bamboo, and other endemic tree species. This is Petron’s way to fuel the environment and uphold its commitment to ensure the sustainability of the communities it serves.
Employee volunteers, representatives from the local government, DENR offices, and residents of Petron’s fenceline communities all banded together for the reforestation efforts through the company’s ‘Puno ng Buhay’ program.
Sites in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and Nasipit, Agusan del Norte were populated with mangrove propagules, while a patch of land in Tagbilaran, Bohol was planted with bamboo seedlings. They also held similar activities in the areas of Tacloban, Roxas, and Limay.
Altogether, Petron has reforested over 100 hectares of land with over 1 million mangrove and tree seedlings since the program was formally launched in 2016. And they’re not done yet as the company plans to adopt more areas for reforestation in Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao this year. Petron even reckons that its nationwide reforestation program will be able to plant 200,000 new trees and mangroves within the next 3 years. These areas are then expected to capture at least 63,000 tons of carbon annually.
“As we mark our 85th year, we hope to leave a significant and lasting impact on the environment and in communities where we are present. We see ourselves as an enabler of growth and progress, so ultimately we help shape the future where our country is stronger, more resilient, and able to meet the aspirations of our people,” said Petron President and CEO Ramon S. Ang.
