GMEC, GNPD plant 2,000 mangrove seedlings thru flagship reforestation program OkTREEberfest

By: Randy V. Datu

MARIVELES, Bataan – Solidifying its commitment to being environmental stewards, AboitizPower subsidiary GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co. (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD) recently completed their annual reforestation initiative, OkTREEberfest, in the province of Bataan last October 3 and 8, 2024.

In partnership with the Local Government Units of Orani and Samal, GMEC and GNPD held back-to-back tree-planting ceremonies at their respective adopted mangrove sites in Bataan to make a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability while bolstering the resilience of coastal areas.

GNPD personnel, LGU representatives, and scholars of GNPD’s College Scholarship Program planted a total of 1,000 mangrove seedlings, making the total planted mangroves 2,000 along with GMEC. The initiative demonstrates GNPD’s efforts in fostering environmental awareness and empowering local youth to contribute actively to conservation projects.

Mangroves play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, preventing coastal erosion, and providing natural protection against storm surges, making them ideal for the saltwater environments in Samal.

This year’s focus species, Avicennia and Sonneratia, were chosen for their adaptability and substantial ecological benefits. Moreover, these species are also the perfect fit for the quality of water and land in Bataan.

“Ang mga karaniwang puno po ay may kakayahang mag-absorb ng carbon dioxide, pero ang mga mangroves po ay may special powers sila kung tawagin,” explained Mistylyn Isidro, Officer of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) when asked about the importance of mangroves in Bataan.

“Kung ang mga puno pong ito ay kaya mag-absorb ng 1-2 times ng carbon dioxide, ang mangroves po ay kaya ng mas doble. Kung iisipin po natin kung gaano karaming carbon dioxide ang kaya nilang i-absorb, ganun din po kalaki ang ating maitutulong para makabawas sa climate change.”

OkTREEberfest has now become a tradition in GMEC and GNPD, serving as an annual display of the organization’s drive to uphold environmental sustainability and strengthen community engagement by introducing employee volunteers to its partner communities.