BAMBAN, TARLAC – Yokohama Tire Philippines Inc. (YTPI) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and community development with the relaunch of its “Gulay ay Buhay” program, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative aligned with the Department of Education’s “Gulayan sa Paaralan” campaign. The program, aimed at promoting nutrition, food security, and environmental awareness, was formally reintroduced through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with San Vicente Elementary School (SVES) on February 28, 2025.
Leading the event were Angelina Casasola, Vice President for Administration Division, and Geraldine Bautista, Corporate Planning and Business Operations Department Manager, together with YTPI’s CSR Team. The delegation was welcomed by SVES Principal Maria Leonora Laurden, along with parents and other school officials.
SVES, a previous program beneficiary, has been selected as the first partner school for the 2025 relaunch. During the event, Bautista emphasized YTPI’s strengthened commitment to the initiative, stating, “As your partner, we will further improve how we allocate our resources to provide strong support for SVES. Together, we’ll create a positive impact, not only for this school but for the surrounding community as well.”
Casasola echoed this sentiment, highlighting the school’s active participation and the broader objectives of the initiative. “We are recommitting to this school because we believe in your potential and your willingness to cooperate in this project. Beyond planting and harvesting, this program also aims to foster a harmonious community and strengthen cooperation,” she said.
The event concluded with a ceremonial transfer of seedlings and a tour of the school’s garden, showcasing the progress achieved through the partnership. The initiative, which commenced in January 2025, began with a donation of seeds and gardening materials from YTPI’s CSR Team and Environmental Management Section (EMS).
The “Gulay ay Buhay” program is part of “Yokohama Cares,” YTPI’s broader CSR initiative that promotes urban farming, sustainable livelihoods, and healthier living in local communities.