Manila: The Million Trees Foundation (MTFI) has announced the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) as its Forest Champion Partner in an effort to protect the country's environment, especially its watershed areas.
According to Philippines News Agency, MTFI President and Executive Director Melandrew Velasco emphasized the crucial role of major institutions like PAGCOR in building climate resilience. He praised the partnership as a collective effort to restore forests and secure water resources for future generations. Velasco extended his gratitude to PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Operating Officer Alejandro Tengco for supporting the project, noting that Tengco's leadership promotes a vision of shared responsibility. This partnership actively involves public institutions in safeguarding watersheds that supply water to Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Velasco announced an Earth Day fun run, organized by MTFI, to be held on April 11 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. This event aims to mobilize thousands of Filipinos in support of watershed rehabilitation and large-scale reforestation. He highlighted that PAGCOR's involvement underscores the agency's commitment to a broader corporate social responsibility agenda, demonstrating its investment in programs that protect natural resources and uplift communities.
As a Forest Champion Partner, PAGCOR will contribute to funding various initiatives, including the propagation of native tree seedlings, tree-growing and site preparation activities, as well as monitoring and maintenance programs to ensure long-term tree survival. It will also support community-based environmental awareness initiatives.
Velasco expressed that the event, "A Run for a Million Trees," is anticipated to draw thousands of environmental advocates, corporate partners, civic organizations, youth groups, and families in a unified call to action for sustainability. He stated that PAGCOR's involvement sends a clear message that environmental protection is a national priority requiring collaboration across sectors.
Registration for the event is open until March 20, and interested participants can find more details on the Million Trees Foundation's Facebook page. The MTFI is committed to watershed rehabilitation and environmental sustainability through its large-scale tree-growing, nurturing, and monitoring programs in critical watershed areas.