Security Bank Foundation Inc., along with 200 dedicated volunteers from Security Bank, marked the second year of its 10,000-tree, five-year reforestation commitment in La Mesa Watershed. Volunteers trekked three hours to plant 2,000 sandalwood and white lauan seedlings, in partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Kalikasan Program in its mission to protect the largest rainforest and water source of Metro Manila.

Notably, 94 percent of the 2,000 malapapaya and lago seedlings planted by SBFI last year survived, surpassing the National Greening Program base rate of 85 percent as validated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. A quarter of the participants that attended the second year of the tree planting activity were also former participants, displaying a commitment to sustainability as they reused the planting gear kept from last year.

Security Bank’s five-year pledge to reforest La Mesa Watershed encompasses 45 percent of ABS-CBN’s targeted reforestation efforts. Through this initiative, Security Bank helps to curb carbon emissions, prevent floods during rainy seasons, maintain vital water levels during summers and offer sanctuary to the native wildlife.

“Security Bank’s steadfast commitment to this reforestation project plays a pivotal role in advancing the ABS-CBN Foundation’s critical mission of maintaining Metro Manila’s water reservoir within safe levels, which is crucial for supporting the day-to-day water consumption of the region,” said Sarah Agcaoili, operations manager of ABS-CBN Foundation.

“We want this activity to serve as a platform for channeling the passion and energy for community development of our employees. We want them to feel and take pride in knowing that they’ve helped reforest the La Mesa Watershed, something that they’ll be proud to tell their children or the next generation,” said Melissa Aquino, SBFI trustee and corporate secretary.

SBFI’s projects are made with the bright future of the next generation in mind. Beyond its five-year tree planting pledge, it also champions education; to date, SBFI has donated 715 classrooms to public schools, granted more than 2,000 scholarships, and trained more than 36,000 teachers and principals.

To learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s projects and how you can contribute, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.