In celebration of National Environment Awareness Month and a milestone for their planting initiative, Nestle has conducted its nationwide tree-growing activity together with GMA Network.

Nestle began its initiative in 2021 with the intention of planting 200 million trees by 2030, starting with 3.5 million trees this year.

This objective was set by the company after seeing the destructive effects due to diminishing forests in the country because of natural and man-made factors.

“We are facing a global climate emergency today. Forests stabilize the climate because they store significant amounts of carbon, maintain healthy water and soil systems, and provide habitat to plants and wildlife,” former chief executive officer Chris Johnson said.

This year, to achieve its target for reforestation, Nestle Philippines has collaborated with GMA Network and other local organizations to encourage individuals to volunteer for tree-planting activities.

On November 25, Nestle Philippines led a tree-growing activity titled “Kapuso at Kasambuhay ng Kalikasan” held at the La Mesa Watershed and Eco Park in Quezon City.

A total of 1,000 bamboo clumps and Narra plantlets were planted by executives and employees from Nestle, GMA’s Sparkle artists, participants from local communities, and volunteers from other organizations.

Sharing their first-time experience participating in a tree-planting activity, GMA Sparkle artists Anjay Anson and Kirsten Gonzales emphasized the relevance of tree planting in the community.

“Important [ang tree planting] for me kasi tumataas na rin yung pollution natin dito sa Philippines and nagkakaroon na rin ng forest fires sa ibang countries,” Anson said.

With this, the two artists commended the role of social media in encouraging people to engage in such environmental activity.

“Gusto ko kapag nag-scroll sila sa Facebook, maging aware sila sa issues na nangyayari sa mundo natin. Since I have the opportunity and the platform, I want it to be useful,” Gonzales said.

To effectively persuade people, Anson also added that it is important to showcase the feeling of fulfillment after doing the activity.

“Kapag nakikita rin kasi ng ibang mga tao sa social media na nag-enjoy ka, parang natutuwa rin sila [at] mas gusto rin nila [sumali],” Anson said.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/milliontrees.org/