Haribon Foundation, hygiene brand renew forest protection partnership
MANILA, Philippines — A popular hygiene brand has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection through the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Haribon Foundation.
The Sanicare resident Care Ambassador and host, Bianca Gonzalez-Intal announced this major milestone during its on-ground event titled Seeds of Care — a symbolic gathering that emphasized how small acts of care can bloom into long-lasting environmental change.
A key highlight of Seeds of Care was the official contract signing between Sanicare and Haribon Foundation, which formalized the renewal of their partnership for another five years.
Signing the agreement on behalf of SCPA were Maria Azalea S. Pacis, Sales and Marketing Director, and Jerivic Delos Angeles, Product Development and Procurement Manager. Representing Haribon Foundation were Arlie Endonila, Chief Operating Officer; Thaddeus Martinez, Head of the Forests for Life Program; and Erika Bergara, Strategic Partnerships Manager.
This new chapter ensures continued support for reforestation and community-driven environmental initiatives, with a focus on long-term, measurable impact.
Realistic sustainability
Since 2014, the brand has worked with Haribon Foundation in its mission to restore and protect Philippine forests. The decade-long partnership has planted over 14,000 native tree seedlings across more than seven hectares in biodiversity-rich regions, including Mt. Banahaw-San Cristobal and Real, Quezon. The collaboration tallied a 98% seedling survival rate in its decade-long partnership.
A highlight of the event was a fireside chat between host Bianca and Haribon’s Erika Bergara. The latter shared Haribon’s inspiring 53-year journey as one of the country’s pioneers in biodiversity conservation.
She emphasized the importance of realistic sustainability — doing what’s within one’s control, like using reusables or reducing waste at home. Erika also revealed that despite having only 30 people on staff, Haribon has helped plant over a million trees — underscoring how individual efforts can scale up to significant environmental wins.
During the chat, audience members — which also included the brand’s very own Care Ambassadors — shared their own practices like using eco bags and packing their children’s lunches in reusable containers. The segment turned into a mini forum on personal accountability.
Following the formal program, guests took part in a seedling preparation activity — the first essential step in forest restoration. Guided by experts from Haribon, participants carefully potted native seedlings that will one day be planted in reforestation sites. The hands-on experience gave attendees a tangible role in rebuilding forests and reinforced the event’s call to action: Plant care, grow change.
By ending the event with a direct contribution to nature, Seeds of Care bridged the gap between advocacy and action — a powerful reminder that even the smallest seeds, when nurtured, can grow into forests.
RELATED: Creating things with care: Sanicare adopts 6,100 seedlings in reforestation effort
