Care for the environment and protect each other from the effects of climate change. This was the challenged posed by the Holy Father to the Filipinos with his recent visit in the Philippines. He stressed that caring for Mother Nature is tantamount to caring for fellow human beings.
In response to Pope Francis’ fervent call for environmental justice, the Juanito I. King Foundation, Inc. (JIKFI) has again partnered with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) together with its one-hundred fold-strong volunteers in planting 2,500 indigenous tree seedlings in Tagbao, Cebu City last Sept. 26.
Through PBSP’s Reforestation Project in the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, JIKFI adopted another one-hectare forest land for rehabilitation where forest and fruit-bearing trees were planted. Through a scientific monitoring, 80 percent survival rate of the planted seedlings is ensured.
Each year, the number of volunteers who participates in this noble cause has continued to grow. By the help of the employee-volunteers from the King Group of Companies, 6R Group of Companies, Athecor Land, J Nitton Dev’t Corporation and RFK Holdings, Inc., the activity successfully pursued. Sponsored by these companies including BPI Family Savings Bank, the volunteers were taught on the proper handling and planting of trees which they could apply in their own backyard.
“Each of us should be responsible in taking care of the environment, conserving it and do our share in paying Mother Nature back, for all the great things she has given us amidst the prevalence of Climate Change. We are doing this not just for us but for the future generation as well.†Kenneth King, JIKFI Executive Director advocated.
The Tree-planting activity has been a JIKFI’s advocacy to promote sustainable environment and preserve the nature in partnership with PBSP.
Since 2002, JIKFI has planted nearly 60,000 trees in some of the forests in Cebu City. /PRRoca
