By Nimfa Estrellado Manulife Philippines and Haribon Foundation representatives, alongside local community members, participate in a mangrov...
 |
| Manulife Philippines and Haribon Foundation representatives, alongside local community members, participate in a mangrove planting activity in Infanta, Quezon Province, as part of their expanded partnership to restore vital coastal ecosystems. (Manulife) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Manulife Philippines, a leading international financial services provider, has significantly broadened its collaboration with the nature conservation group Haribon Foundation, embarking on an ambitious mangrove restoration program in Infanta, Quezon. This expanded partnership aims to plant a total of 15,000 mangrove seedlings over the next three years, reinforcing the insurer's commitment to its Impact Agenda for a sustainable future.
The announcement follows a recent mangrove planting event and biodiversity discussions held as a key component of Haribon's 'Forests for Life' conservation campaign. The focused restoration efforts will target high-priority conservation areas identified by Haribon’s foresters and local environmental authorities, recognizing the critical role these ecosystems play in shoreline protection, marine habitats, and carbon sequestration.
This initiative builds upon an already fruitful partnership between Manulife Philippines and Haribon Foundation, which began in 2022. To date, over 21,250 native tree seedlings have been planted across 17 hectares in the Luzon provinces of Quezon, Rizal, and Zambales. Earlier this year, Manulife Philippines colleagues also prepared 1,000 native seedlings for planting in the Kaliwa Watershed Reserve in Tanay, Rizal, further bolstering the protection of the vital Sierra Madre mountain range.
The urgency of this mangrove restoration program is underscored by alarming environmental trends. The Philippines has experienced a drastic decline in its mangrove forests, with an estimated loss of 140,000 hectares since 1920. Furthermore, the World Bank's Philippines Country Climate and Development Report projects that climate change could slash the country's GDP by up to 13.6 percent by 2040, making these conservation efforts increasingly crucial.
"In the Philippines, coastal ecosystems are vital for both communities and the environment," stated Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. "Through our collaboration with Haribon Foundation’s Forests for Life movement, we are supporting the conservation and protection of vital mangrove areas. These mangrove restorations help shield coastal communities from storm surges while creating nurseries for fish, which support local fisherfolks and enable them to sustain their livelihood."
Harshal Shah, Chief Marketing and Experience Design Officer, Manulife Asia, emphasized the localized approach: "Environmental challenges require locally tailored solutions. We’re excited to be working with partners like the Haribon Foundation to implement practical solutions guided by local knowledge and needs. Through this expanded collaboration with the Haribon Foundation, we are advancing our Impact Agenda in the Philippines by driving inclusive economic opportunities and accelerating a sustainable future."
Beyond the environmental benefits, the partnership places a strong emphasis on community development. During the recent event, participants visited Haribon Foundation's community partners in various barangays, engaging with groups focused on the sustainable production of cassava chips, coconut jam, and herbal teas, as well as KALIPI, a women's empowerment organization in Infanta.
"In areas where we've worked, women have established small businesses selling products, such as lemongrass tea using resources from the restored forests," shared Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. "As ecosystems recover, communities find new opportunities for their livelihood—helping drive inclusive economic opportunity."
Arlie Endonila, Chief Operating Officer, Haribon Foundation, highlighted the dual focus of their initiatives. "Our initiatives aim to strike a balance between environmental conservation and community well-being. We ensure that local communities can continue to benefit from their natural resources, such as fishery livelihoods, while protecting our critical ecosystems. This dual focus reinforces the idea that ecological and economic sustainability can align to create positive outcomes for both our people and the planet."
Endonila expressed gratitude for the continued partnership: "We thank the Manulife team for the continued partnership. This deepens our commitment to environmental sustainability and exemplifies the power of collaboration between the corporate sector, environmental organizations, and community-led actions. Together, we help to protect and preserve the planet we all share, while uplifting communities and improving lives.”
This expanded partnership directly aligns with Manulife's Impact Agenda. By actively investing in initiatives that build climate resilience and foster economic well-being, financial institutions can truly deliver on their core promise of long-term security and financial protection for Filipinos, especially as the nation faces intensified environmental challenges.
No comments