Manila, Philippines - Things are looking up for the Cordilleras.
Globe Telecom and Cordillera Conservation Trust (CCT) are gearing up for a series of reforestation activities through a nursery-building program called Roots and Shoots.
Just last May, Globe Telecom conducted the third Globe Cordillera Challenge, a fund raising event that challenged its participants to pedal 27 kilometers from Baguio to Tuba, Benguet.
An overwhelming sense of support poured from all over the country raising P800,000 from 320 registered bikers and numerous sponsors.
“The raised funds allow us to continue and expand our impact. This year we are able to expand to building 20 forest nurseries. This would not be possible without the funding that was raised with the help of Globe Telecom and many individuals,” shared CCT Founder JP Alipio.
“Protecting the forests is an urgent issue not just for Cordillera but also for the entire country. We need to show that we are able to protect the areas where forests still abound. The forest, like whales, pandas, and orangutans, are important symbols of ecological health and conservation,” he explained.
Studies report that only 10 percent of the country’s forest remains intact and much of it is in the Cordillera region.
Thus, aside from the more familiar tree-planting activities, CCT devotes itself to its Roots and Shoots program to build plant nurseries that will protect the surrounding ecosystem. This also secures the commitment of the community to sustain the reforestation efforts.
“We believe that the mission to protect the forests is one that is worth everyone’s support.
More than being a fund-raising partner, Globe Bridging Communities will continue to explore how it can be of further assistance to CCT.
We also commit to continue finding and creating platforms that will allow our employees, partners, and customers to becoming forest-builders,” said Rob Nazal, head of Globe Corporate Social Responsibility.
He added: “We are sincerely happy to have built relationships with CCT for three years now. We’ve built relationships with the people and we are extremely humbled to give support to and be part of the great work that they do.”
Supporters of the environment are invited to join the upcoming nursery-building activities. Cabuyao, one of the venues, is a popular spot for mountaineers and bikers for the breathtaking view and clean air that it provides its visitors.
Another venue is Labey, an area that suffered from Typhoon Pepeng in 2009 and one that still needs help in rebuilding the infrastructure destroyed.