Subic Bay Freport Zone – Around 80 volunteers from RP Energy, Brgy. Balaybay, DENR, Subic Cawag Upland Farmers Association, Castillejos Resettlement High School and the 305th maneuver company of the Philippine National Police participated in the Adopt-a-Forest project held last August 24 in Brgy. Balaybay in Castillejos, Zambales.
The effort is in line with RP Energy’s thrust of promoting environmental stewardship. “We are grateful for all the volunteers and partners supporting us in this project. We are happy to build this eco-park that will be enjoyed by everyone, especially our kids.” says Arturo Manzano, Barangay Chairman of Balaybay.
“This is not merely a tree-planting activity, but also an educational activity. We have invited experts from CENRO Olongapo and SCUFA to teach our volunteers the proper way of removing the plastic, handling the roots and caring for the trees.” shares Jason Gavina, Corporate Social Responsibility Officer of RP Energy.
The Adopt-A-Forest Project is now on its third year and has been instrumental in planting over 1,000 trees both fruit-bearing and endemic tree species as recommended in the area.
RP Energy is the developer of a 2×300 MW coal-fired power plant in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (Dante M. Salvana)