200 volunteers plant 3500 trees

Friday 27th of July 2012

DAVAO CITY, July 27 (PIA) -- Some 200 volunteers planted about 3,500 trees in simultaneous tree planting activities held on July 21 in Davao City and in the municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Local officials of Barangay Tawantawan Davao City, representatives from the Philippine National Police, the Bagobo-Tagabawas and employees of Hedcor were able to plant 2,000 cacao and 1,500 narra trees.

“The most recent endeavour is mainly for the sustainability of our very own Talomo Watershed. Helping the environment also helps our business, since we are relying on a healthy watershed,” Hedcor Vice President Gregorio Jabonillo said.

“Everyone is committed to plant at least 20 seedlings while working in Hedcor,” Jabonillo added.

As part of the Watershed Management Plan (WMP) of Hedcor, the company conducts programs like reforestation, roadside rehabilitation and riverbank stabilization in the areas that host its hydro plants in partnership with host communities in Davao City and in Davao del Sur.

For years, the company recorded 90% survival rates from the planted trees within the protected areas.

The company’s forester also monitors and maintains the trees planted to ensure their growth. Hedcor has a target to plant 282, 402 seedlings by the end of 2012.

The areas protected are home to seven run-of-river hydropower plants in the region with a total capacity of 47 MW.

The most recent endeavour was also in participation for the Abita’s group-wide tree planting nationwide where different business units of Aboitiz all over the country joined.

Hydropower generation is highly dependent on a healthy watershed. A steady supply of water is the lifeblood of Hedcor’s hydro plants.

Hedcor’s conservation of the watersheds will support the generation of 4.47-MW Talomo Hydro Plants and 42.5-MW Sibulan Hydro Plants. A steady supply of water is the lifeblood of Hedcor’s hydro plants. (Hedcor)