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Manila Bulletin devider Environment and Sustainability devider Coca-Cola Philippines drives water stewardship with reforestation activity at La Mesa Watershed

Coca-Cola Philippines drives water stewardship with reforestation activity at La Mesa Watershed

By MBrand
Published Jan 27, 2026 01:57 pm
Coca-Cola Philippines employees join tree-planting activity at La Mesa Watershed.
Coca-Cola Philippines employees join tree-planting activity at La Mesa Watershed.
Coca-Cola Philippines employees gathered at La Mesa Dam on December 17, 2025 for a tree-planting activity with the Million Trees Foundation, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability through hands-on volunteerism. The effort highlighted how corporate participation and community action can help protect one of Metro Manila’s most critical water sources.
At the Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center within the La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City, Coca-Cola Philippines employees came together to plant native seedlings. The initiative forms part of the larger Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC), a long-term watershed rehabilitation program that began under Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and is now being sustained by the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI) with the goal of planting 10 million more trees by 2030.
Coca-Cola Philippines employee volunteers plant native seedlings as part of ongoing reforestation efforts.
Coca-Cola Philippines employee volunteers plant native seedlings as part of ongoing reforestation efforts.
Coca-Cola Philippines employee volunteers plant native seedlings as part of ongoing reforestation efforts.
Coca-Cola Philippines employee volunteers plant native seedlings as part of ongoing reforestation efforts.
La Mesa Dam is Metro Manila’s primary watershed and one of the remaining major forest reserves in the region. Its protection is essential to ensuring clean, stable water supply for the capital. Reforestation efforts—especially those that focus on tree-growing, not just tree-planting—contribute to soil conservation, improved groundwater recharge, and long-term ecological resilience.
“The strength of the Million Trees Initiative comes from collective effort. When partners like Coca-Cola Philippines show up on the ground, it accelerates our work to restore critical watersheds like La Mesa,” said Mr. Melandrew T. Velasco, President and Executive Director of Million Trees Foundation Inc.  “Each seedling planted today is part of a bigger commitment to protect the ecosystems that support millions of Filipinos.”
MTFI President and Executive Director Melandrew T. Velasco, together with Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony del Rosario and Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Senior Director Maria Christine Garcia, joined the tree-growing orientation before the tree-planting activity, where they learned proper tree-planting techniques and sustainable practices for watershed conservation.
MTFI President and Executive Director Melandrew T. Velasco, together with Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony del Rosario and Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Senior Director Maria Christine Garcia, joined the tree-growing orientation before the tree-planting activity, where they learned proper tree-planting techniques and sustainable practices for watershed conservation.
For employee volunteers, the activity was a meaningful way to take part in environmental protection while gaining a deeper appreciation of watershed stewardship — a core focus of the company’s Sustainability Matters campaign. “Today proved that sustainability is about action — and that small efforts become meaningful when we work as one.” said Maria Christine Garcia, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability of Coca-Cola Philippines.
Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for Franchise Operations East of Coca-Cola Far East Limited (CCFEL), underscored how employee volunteerism strengthens the company’s sustainability goals.
“Our sustainability journey is grounded in strong partnerships, long-term commitments, and the dedication of our people. Initiatives like this underscore the vital role each of us plays in safeguarding essential resources such as the La Mesa Watershed,” Del Rosario said.  “This activity reflects our broader commitment to environmental stewardship and to collaborating with communities and partners to create lasting, meaningful impact.”
To learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability initiatives, the public may visit www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/sustainability.
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