Manila Water leads tree-planting in watersheds under Pasibol program

Manila Water kicked off its multi-stakeholder tree-planting program Pasibol with various reforestation activities in several watershed areas in the country.

On its continued commitment to ensure water security and environmental protection, Manila Water kicked off this year’s implementation of its multi-stakeholder tree-planting program Pasibol with various reforestation activities in several watershed areas in the country.

The company’s social development arm Manila Water Foundation led a tree-planting and weeding activity in the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City, which involves the eradication of invasive plant and tree species disruptive to biodiversity. The team was able to plant 80 seedlings of Yakal, an endemic tree species known for its sturdiness, strength, and durability.

In Malay, Aklan, Manila Water Non-East Zone subsidiary Boracay Water, in collaboration with its stakeholders and partners, spearheaded a tree-planting activity at the business unit’s 20-hectare adopted watershed in Sitio Mananga in Barangay Nabaoy.

The adopted watershed area, which is maintained and developed by the Nabaoy Forest Farmers Development Association (NAFFDA) has been under Boracay Water’s care through their Highland to Ocean (H2O): Watershed Management program.

The tree-planting activity was also joined by the representatives of the TIEZA Regulatory Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) – DENR, LGU Malay MENRO and MDRRMO, Nabaoy Barangay Council, Philippine Coast Guard Malay, and NAFFDA.

A total of 256 trees were planted, a big step to improve the local environment that aims to protect water resources, enhance biodiversity, and support sustainable livelihood.

In Laguna, another Manila Water Non-East Zone operating unit, Laguna Water, joined forces with various organizations and stakeholders for a tree-planting activity in Barangay Carmen, Silang, Cavite. The event emphasized the vital role of trees in maintaining ecological balance and watershed health.

Laguna Water’s collaboration extended to key partners committed to environmental stewardship, including the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), members of the Cabuyao River Protection Advocates (CaRPA), the Provincial Government of Laguna, Cabuyao City Office of the Mayor, Cabuyao Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Cabuyao City Environment and Natural Resources Office.

The Cavite Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Silang Municipal Office of the Mayor participated in this multi-sectoral initiative.

During the tree-planting event, 1,025 native and fruit-bearing trees — including katmon, santol, atis, guyabano, marang, rambutan, and cacao — found their roots in the Santa Rosa Watershed. This diverse range of trees enriches the local ecosystem and plays a critical role in maintaining water quality, preventing soil erosion, and supporting biodiversity.

Pasibol is an enterprise-wide tree-planting and reforestation program that involves employees and their external stakeholders in environmental stewardship through the establishment of nurseries, tree planting, and maintenance of trees planted in the previous years, as well as strengthening employee and stakeholder engagement.