PLDT Inc. (PLDT), the country's largest integrated telecommunications network, and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. have teamed up with Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) on various reforestation and water stewardship programs.

In a statement, PLDT said this is in line with its continuing efforts to fight climate change and promote water security.

PLDT and Smart recently supported Maynilad in its annual tree planting initiative, the “Plant for Life,” in the La Mesa Watershed.

This is a multi-site reforestation program that aims to recover denuded forests within critical watersheds that surround Metro Manila and nearby areas.

The telcos, through their social outreach arm, the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), adopted one hectare of the reforestation site within Ipo Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

“Recognition of the importance of sustainability is shared within the MVP group of companies. At PLDT and Smart, we appreciate the significance of our forests and nature-based solutions in helping us mitigate and adapt to the worsening impacts of climate change,” said PLDT First Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Head of Investor Relations Melissa Vergel de Dios.

She noted that, “it is thus in our best interest to pursue synergies with like-minded organizations, such as Maynilad, to amplify efforts to take care of our environment and of our customer communities.”

As co-chair of the Planet Pillar of the United Nations Global Compact’s local chapter Global Compact Network Philippines, PLDT and Smart tapped Maynilad as one of the speakers during a learning session for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) on responsible water stewardship and on efforts to combat plastic pollution in waterways.

During the session, Maynilad’s Head of Quality, Sustainability and Resiliency Atty. Roel Espiritu highlighted the importance of engaging institutional partners and MSMEs for reforestation activities.

“When we plant trees, we get to hit two birds with one stone. We create carbon sinks, and at the same time, foster and maintain good quality of water,” he explained.

PLDT, Smart, and Maynilad are part of the group of companies under the chairmanship of businessman Manuel V Pangilinan (MVP). These efforts underscore the MVP Group’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation and Goal 13 on Climate Action.