This green initiative, combining RAFI’s "One to Tree" program and GCash’s GForest, aims to combat climate change and support local communities.
Two major projects are focused on the Luyang Watershed in Carmen, Cebu. Covering a combined 730 hectares, these efforts have seen 600,000 trees planted across several barangays.
The trees include native species like bangkal, mamalis, molave, nangka, and narra, alongside fruit-bearing trees such as avocado, cacao, cashew, coffee, guyabano, mangosteen, and rambutan. Impressively, these trees have achieved a survival rate of up to 93% as of December 2023.
The Luyang Watershed, crucial for its 24,000 cubic meters of fresh water, benefits greatly from increased tree cover. This boost in tree density aids in rainwater absorption and enhances the water table, positively impacting the water supply for Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu.
The Luyang Watershed, crucial for its 24,000 cubic meters of fresh water, benefits greatly from increased tree cover. This boost in tree density aids in rainwater absorption and enhances the water table, positively impacting the water supply for Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu.
The third project focuses on planting 550,000 mangrove seedlings in Daanbantayan, San Remigio, and Medellin. These areas face the Tañon Strait, the largest marine protected area in the Philippines. Covering 60.5 hectares, this initiative includes species like bakhaw lalaki, bakhaw babae, and bungalon, among others.
Besides environmental benefits, these projects provide significant economic opportunities. RAFI incentivizes local farmers to plant and maintain these trees, involving 164 landowners, 1,965 individuals, and 18 local organizations in the efforts.
In celebration of Philippine Arbor Day, GForest introduced five new tree types to be planted by RAFI in Carcar, Cebu: molave, mamalis, jackfruit, guyabano, and avocado. GForest allows GCash users to convert their green energy points into real trees, which are then planted by RAFI and other partners.
GForest is a unique platform enabling GCash users to contribute to reforestation efforts. Users accumulate green energy points, which can be converted into digital trees. GCash, in collaboration with partners like RAFI, plants these trees across the Philippines at no cost to users. To date, GForest has planted about 2.8 million trees, including mangroves, native species, and fruit-bearing trees for agroforestry.
Both RAFI and GCash emphasize the importance of expert consultations to ensure the right tree species are planted in suitable locations, maximizing survival rates and environmental benefits.
"Our success in Cebu with RAFI highlights how collaboration and scientific innovation can drive meaningful environmental progress. We're thankful to RAFI, our partners, and our dedicated GForest users for planting the seeds of a better tomorrow," said CJ Alegre, GCash’s Head of Sustainability.
This collaboration between RAFI and GCash is a shining example of how technology and community efforts can come together to foster a greener, more sustainable future.
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