By Journal Online
Copyright journal
In collaboration with local community leaders, volunteers, and business partners, Aboitiz Foundation planted 700 bamboo seedlings along the Mananga River in Cebu to celebrate World Bamboo Day and Philippine Bamboo Month on Saturday. This marks the start of the Foundation’s meaningful journey to grow 10 million trees through its flagship CarbonPH program.
“This activity is not just about planting bamboo. It is about restoring the health of our watersheds, protecting our riverbanks, and building resilience against the impacts of climate change. Each bamboo seedling we plant today represents hope, protection, and sustainability for our communities,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, President of Aboitiz Foundation.
Bamboo is more than just a fast-growing plant. It is known as the “green steel” of nature because of its strength and ability to grow back quickly after being cut. It helps prevent soil erosion, absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, and provides sustainable materials for communities. In fact, bamboo can absorb five times more carbon dioxide and release 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees.
The planting was made possible through the support of community partners and local officials, including Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival; Roselita Calina, Barangay Captain of Buot-Taup; Atty. Rudellyn Navarro from the Office of the Administrator, Talisay City; and Aboitiz business units such as Aboitiz Equity Ventures, AboitizPower, Visayan Electric, Aboitiz Land, Aboitiz Construction, and Aboitiz Foods.
The Mananga River Riparian Greening Project aims to protect one of Cebu’s critical watersheds, which provides water to thousands of households in the city and nearby towns. Planting bamboo along its riverbanks will not only reduce flooding and erosion but also create opportunities for livelihood programs, such as furniture making and bamboo-based products, for local communities.
“At the Aboitiz Foundation, we believe that true impact happens when people, government, and businesses come together. Today is proof of that partnership in action. Let us plant with commitment and purpose. The work we do here will not only strengthen our rivers but also secure a greener, safer Cebu for generations to come,” Hontiveros-Malvar added.
The activity forms part of the Aboitiz Foundation’s 10 Million Trees program, which will be implemented in key areas across the Philippines. Through CarbonPH, the Foundation’s flagship sustainability program, these trees—especially bamboo—will play a big role in reducing carbon emissions, restoring biodiversity, and improving climate resilience for Filipino communities.
About Aboitiz Foundation
Aboitiz Foundation, the CSR arm of the Aboitiz Group, is committed to shaping a brighter future for the nation. With 35+ years of empowering communities and driving sustainable development, the Foundation of the Philippines’ first techglomerate is expanding its impact to contribute to nation-building.
Committed to advancing social development, Aboitiz Foundation focuses on three key pillars:
Future Leaders: Ensuring Filipino learners of all ages have access to resources, facilities, and scholarships to prepare them for a rapidly changing world.Jobs: Empowering Filipinos with digital tools and skills training to thrive in the global digital economy, fostering an entrepreneurship mindset.Climate Action: Developing and implementing environmental programs to construct climate-resilient communities and foster a more sustainable future through nature-based solutions.
Since 1988, the Foundation has shifted from one-time donations to Aboitiz Foundation’s flagship programs, which empower beneficiaries to reach their full potential. By partnering with strategic partners, the foundation creates projects that are scalable, impactful, and aligned with the company’s expertise, benefiting communities throughout the Philippines.
