In line with its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and with the support of Aboitiz Foundation, Aboitiz Construction has teamed up with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) to launch the Mangrove Forest Enhancement Project in Lian, Batangas. A partnership signing ceremony was held at RAFI Office in Cebu City last November 12.
The project which has started this month aims to plant and grow 1,455 mangrove seedlings by 2026 while focusing on empowering local communities, specifically the Lian Fisherfolks Association and Samahan ng mga Mangingisda sa Sulok, by providing them with training in mangrove plantation design, nursery establishment, seedling production, and plantation maintenance. These efforts are expected to help address socio-economic challenges by creating alternative income sources for the members of the organization.
“We are proud to continue our commitment to environmental sustainability through this partnership with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation. The Mangrove Forest Enhancement Project not only contributes to the preservation of vital ecosystems but also supports the livelihood of local communities. By engaging our team members and local organizations, we aim to create a lasting impact that will benefit both the environment and the people of Lian for years to come,” said Karmine Andrea Ching, Sr. AVP for Business Transformation of Aboitiz Construction.
The project also aims to achieve an 80% survival rate of the planted seedlings by its completion, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the mangrove forest and its positive impact on the local ecosystem. This goal will be supported through continuous monitoring, maintenance, and community involvement in caring for the plants.
The work on the ground will be carried out in direct coordination with the Local Government Unit and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Lian ensuring that the project aligns with local environmental priorities and governance.
“We are excited to renew our partnership with Aboitiz Construction, who was one of our partners in our other initiatives in the past. Together, let’s empower communities to live harmoniously in balanced ecosystems,” said Estee Marie Plunket, Chief Communications, Advocacy, and Partnerships Officer of RAFI.
This project adds to Aboitiz Construction’s broader sustainability efforts. This year, the company’s team members planted approximately 1,300 seedlings in Alaminos, Laguna, Balamban, Cebu, and Claver, Surigao del Norte. In 2022, Aboitiz Construction also signed a three-year partnership with the National Power Corporation to adopt 2.6 hectares of land and plant 2,600 trees in Santo Tomas, Batangas.
