The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will work with the Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) and the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) Inc. on the reforestation of mangrove areas in communities situated near the popular fast food chain.
JFC and JGF aim to engage volunteer employees in partnering with DENR's Regional Offices to execute community-based initiatives for the protection and reforestation of mangroves and cooperate with DENR on various sustainable endeavors.
A memorandum of understanding was signed by DENR Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga, JFC President and CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong, and JGF Inc. President Ma. Gisela H. Tiongson in Makati City on Friday, April 19.
“The partnership will strengthen collaborations for a decarbonized and regenerative future, promote science-based risk assessment, sustain climate-smart leadership and governance, and scale up community initiatives on mangrove protection and management,” said Loyzaga.
In addition, the DENR secretary said the shared goal in implementing the agreement is to generate empowered community members whose lives will be improved by the lessons acquired under the agreement and who will then be able to sustain all of these activities themselves.
Tanmantiong noted that the initiative is in line with the worldwide corporation's sustainability program, Joy for Tomorrow.
“This is meaningful to us at JFC because we understand our bigger role beyond doing business. We’ve always believed in the power of making a positive impact, not just for our company and people but also for the world we live in,” he said.
Established in 1978, Jollibee stands as the dominant fast food franchise in the Philippines, with a widespread network of over 1,500 outlets across 17 nations.