PTT nears reforestation target

MANILA, Philippines - By PTT Philippines, the local arm of Thailand’s biggest oil company, said it expects to breach its three-year target for its reforestation program.

On Friday, PTT Philippines said it has already achieved its goal to plant 10,000 trees for this year with the third leg of its “Gas Up for a Tree” planting activity at the denuded portion of the Bataan Natural Park (BNP) in Morong.

PTT president and chief executive officer Wisarn Chawalitanon said with the 10,000 target already achieved, the company expects to breach its three-year target of planting 30,000 trees by 2015.

“We didn’t expect to achieve our target this early. And we owe it to all volunteers, partners and supporters. With the turnout, we expect that we could breach our 30,000 trees target by year 2015,” he said.

Gas Up for a Tree is the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) project, headed by PTT Philippines Foundation Inc. (PTTPFI) president Paul Patricio Senador.

Launched in May, the program conducted the first tree-planting activity in late June, with a second part implemented in August.

“We are fortunate enough to get an active support from government and non-governmental organizations as well as those coming from the academe, the church, and other partners from the private sector,” Chawalitanon said.

Earlier, the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection (OPAEP) under Secretary Neric Acosta recognized PTT “for taking action on the reforestation of the Bataan Park.”

“The OPAEP was very honored to have taken part in this very inspiring initiative to heighten not only awareness of ecosystems’ protection but in the greater convergence of private and public engagement for conservation and sustainable development,” Acosta said.

Under the project, every purchase of P1,000 worth of PTT gasoline and diesel products entitles motorists to plant one tree under their name.