Coca-Cola Joins Haribon Rainforestation Activity

Through the rainforestation initiative of the environmental NGO Haribon Foundation a total of 172 Coca-Cola employees took part in the tree-planting activity organized by the Coca-Cola Foundation last January 31, 2009. This is in line with the Road to 2020 environmental conservation movement of Haribon, which aims to restore 1 million hectares of our rainforests using native tree species by year 2020.

While the Caliraya Watershed has been declared a Protected Area by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), greater efforts must be exerted. In recent years, the area has come under greater threat of deforestation, soil erosion, and environmental degradation. In response to this threat, and in cooperation with the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) and local community partners, Haribon Foundation has planted over 26,000 seedlings in the area as part of their rainforestation efforts since 2006. It was then that Haribon invited the Coca-Cola System in the Philippines to participate in various tree planting activities in the area.

With the invitation, volunteers arrived at the watershed as early as 8am, some bringing their families to take part in the activity. A short program was held with Mr. Blas Tabaranza, Chief Operating Officer of the Haribon Foundation on hand to welcome Coca-Cola employees and thank them for their support. Mr. Vincent Concio, Caliraya Watershed Management Council Chair then gave a brief introduction to the area and its importance in providing not just water but electricity as well to the local community through the CBK Hydroplant. Mr. Concio also gave a brief demonstration on the proper way to plant seedlings in order to assure they have better chances for survival.

After the program, the volunteers were given the green light to begin planting 1,650 native tree species such as kamagong, lanete, palosapis, bitaog, and narra. As stated by Haribon only by planting native tree species can our forests recover their resiliency and conserve biodiversity, optimize our supply of forest benefits and ecosystem services, reduce the risk of natural hazards, and enhance options for sustainable livelihood.

"As a Company that depends on our local water sources, we at Coca-Cola realize that understanding watersheds and how they work is extremely important to the environmental sustainability of our business," said Cecile Alcantara, President of the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI). "As such, we are proud to be working with Haribon in support of their rainforestation efforts."