Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) reported it has successfully completed its three-phased forestation project as part of its continuing environment sustainability and community development initiatives.
MMPC Chairman Noriaki Hirakata (left) and Regional Executive Director DENR Region
4A – Nilo Tamoria in one of the company's tree planting drive.
The car company has planted various species of trees on a 100-hectare land in different provinces in Luzon. “As part of its commitment to make Filipinos’ lives better, MMPC embarked on a large-scale forestation project that aligns its vision for a greener and more sustainable future,” said MMPC in statement.
Recognizing the pressing need to address the environmental issues that Filipinos are facing, MMPC initiated its 100-hectare forestation agreement with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), adopting 3 different locations in the country – Bangui, Ilocos Norte; Siniloan, Laguna and its last site, Infanta, Quezon Province.
The latest tree planting activity took place in Barangay Pinaglapatan, Infanta, Quezon Province where a beach forest was established by planting bamboo, mangrove, and other beach forest species along Agos River. This effort, initiated by Samahan ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda ng Pinaglapatan (SMMP) through the support of MMPC and DENR, aims to rehabilitate the riverbanks, preventing soil erosion in the area.
With the combined efforts of dedicated MMPC employees, local communities and government, a total of 78,700 tree seedlings were planted on the 38-hectare land along Agos River which will be continuously monitored by MMPC with the help of DENR. Along with the trees planted, MMPC also donated a lighthouse to help assist fishermen and farmers.
“For 60 years, it’s been MMPC’s commitment to make life better for Filipinos not just through our vehicles, but also through our services and CSR efforts. And today, we are about to nurture this community’s future, one seed at a time. I hope that the seeds we plant today will flourish for generations to come,” said MMPC Chairman Noriaki Hirakata in a statement during the tree planting activity.
In another initiative, MMPC partnered with Philippine Business for Social Progress to formalize its Balik-Baterya Scholarship Program. The program, which began in 2019 in collaboration with Oriental Motolite Marketing Corporation (OMMC), involves the proper recycling and disposal of used hazardous lead-acid batteries generated in the MMPC Plant.
Proceeds from recycling are allocated to MMPC’s CSR fund, part of which is now being directed towards scholarships for senior high school students of Don Jose Integrated High School and Biñan City Senior High School – Timbao Campus.