Earth Month initiatives across the Philippines highlighted a range of environmental efforts led by community groups, government partners and private companies, focusing on reforestation, waste reduction and sustainability-driven programs.
Community-led tree planting in Rizal
In Rizal, SCJ Volunteers Manila led a multi-sector tree planting initiative titled “Go Green, Grow Together,” where 85 volunteers from government, civic, and community organizations planted 300 seedlings along a riverside in San Mateo.
The activity brought together participants from the Philippine Army’s 2nd Civil-Military Operations Battalion, the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Plant Industry, Rotary Club of San Mateo, San Mateo Business Club, and local government units.
Alexis Santos, Officer-in-Charge of the Municipal Agriculture Office of San Mateo, said the collaboration reflects the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
“This initiative proves that when communities, government, and organizations work together, we can build solutions that protect both people and the environment. Bamboo planting is not just for today. It is an investment in climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and the future of our communities,” Santos said.
The initiative highlighted bamboo’s role in flood mitigation and soil protection, while fruit-bearing trees were also planted to support food security and potential livelihood opportunities. Local residents are expected to maintain the site through monitoring and replanting efforts.
E-waste and sustainability efforts
Electronics firms also marked Earth Month through waste reduction initiatives.
LG Electronics Philippines conducted an employee-led e-waste collection drive, gathering 1,200 kilograms of discarded electronic devices from March 31 to April 21. The company said the collected waste was turned over to an accredited hazardous waste management partner for proper disposal.
Employee volunteers also participated in the destruction of e-waste at the company’s Pasig facility.
Nakhyun Seong, managing director of LG Electronics Philippines, said the initiative aims to promote responsible disposal practices.
“Earth Day is an important reminder that sustainability is built through everyday action. Through this e-waste collection initiative, we are encouraging employee participation in responsible disposal practices while supporting LG’s broader sustainability efforts. At LG, we believe innovation must come with responsibility, and what our employees have shown today is a true reflection of our commitment to a sustainable future,” Seong said.
Technology company OPPO marked Earth Day with sustainability programs focusing on packaging redesign, waste reduction, and electronic waste management.
The company said it has adopted a “3R+1D” principle—Reduction, Recyclability, Reusability, and Degradability—in its packaging approach, alongside a shift toward digital product documentation.
“According to estimates from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over 430 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year,” the tech brand said, noting its use of biomass materials such as tea residue in packaging to reduce plastic dependence.
The company also reported reductions in paper use through digital transitions, citing savings of about 110 million A4 sheets in 2025.
On electronic waste, the tech brand said global e-waste continues to rise, reaching 62 million tons in 2022, and is projected to increase further.
“While selling around 35,300 tons of new products, OPPO recycled as many as 1,187 tons of used devices in China and Europe during the same period,” it said.
The company added that it continues to improve product durability and recycling systems to extend device life cycles.
Reforestation efforts in Bulacan
FedEx joined Earth Month activities through a tree planting initiative in San Miguel, Bulacan, where over 100 volunteers planted 2,000 malunggay trees in partnership with the GreenEarth Foundation.
Maribeth Espinosa, managing director of FedEx Philippines, said environmental efforts require collective participation.
“Environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility,” she said.
“Through volunteering, our team members are helping rebuild forest cover, support biodiversity, and strengthen the natural ecosystem that helps surrounding communities thrive.”
The initiative forms part of FedEx Cares, the company’s global community engagement program.
Sustainability habits
Megaworld Lifestyle Malls supported the Philippine Retailers Association campaign “The Bag Habit,” encouraging the use of reusable bags across its mall network nationwide.
The initiative seeks to reduce reliance on single-use packaging in retail and dining environments while promoting everyday sustainability practices among consumers.
It complements existing environmental programs across its properties, including solar energy systems, rainwater harvesting facilities, EV charging stations, and eco-collection initiatives.
LEED-certified store operations
Jollibee Philippines underscored sustainability efforts through energy and water-efficient systems, including the country’s first quick service restaurant certified under LEED Operations and Maintenance standards.
Located in Enrile, Tuguegarao City, the store features solar panels, water conservation systems, and energy-efficient fixtures as part of its operational design.
“Sustainability is integrated into how we design and operate our stores as we continue to evolve and improve across the network,” Jollibee Philippines president Ferns Yu Jr. said.
The initiative is part of the company’s “Joy for Tomorrow” program aimed at integrating sustainability into food service operations.
Conservation-driven tourism model
Global travel company andBeyond highlighted its conservation-based tourism model, which integrates environmental protection with travel operations across Africa, Asia and South America.
Among its immersive journeys that combine travel experiences with long-term conservation goals are the Red Panda & Tiger Expedition (India & Nepal) and Snow Leopard Expedition (Ladakh, India).
The company said it has invested US$68.3 million in conservation and community initiatives over the past three years, supporting more than 31.5 million acres of biodiversity and over 312,000 community residents.
It added that its tourism model links guest experiences with conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and wildlife protection programs.
