Quezon city: Employees of the News and Information Bureau (NIB) and the Bureau of Communications Services (BCS) recently participated in Maynilad Water Services, Inc.’s ‘Plant for Life’ tree-planting initiative at the La Mesa Nature Reserve. This activity is part of an ongoing effort to safeguard the La Mesa Dam, a vital water source for Metro Manila.

According to Philippines News Agency, 400 seedlings of Dungon and Makaasim were planted during the event. These efforts are a segment of Maynilad’s extensive watershed protection program, which seeks to preserve the water quality of Metro Manila’s remaining rainforest. The program has been a joint effort between government and private entities to address ecological concerns.

NIB Planning Officer Joyal Eser emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting its role in promoting environmental sustainability by improving air quality, combating climate change, and enhancing soil and water conditions. Eser highlighted the collaborative effort among NIB, BCS, and Maynilad as a significant step towards ecological conservation.

Maynilad’s Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Roel Espiritu, remarked that the ‘Plant for Life’ program, which began in 2007, aims to plant 1.6 million trees. He explained that trees play a crucial role in reducing siltation, sequestering carbon, and providing habitats that increase biodiversity. Espiritu also noted the program’s socio-economic impact, particularly for indigenous communities like the Dumagat people, who are involved in seedling production and watershed maintenance.

Last year, Maynilad’s program was recognized at the World Sustainability Congress in the Netherlands for its contributions to climate resilience and community development. The La Mesa Nature Reserve, which covers 34 hectares and includes over 237,000 seedlings, boasts a 91-percent survival rate based on a 2024 validation by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

For this year, Maynilad plans to plant 180,000 native trees across Ipo, Kaliwa, and La Mesa watersheds. This initiative supports the company’s broader goals of securing Metro Manila’s water supply while fulfilling its environmental, social, and governance commitments.