MANILA, Philippines - It’s called the “Happy Birthday Tree” project because it challenges Filipinos to plant one tree for every year of their life. The goal: To raise awareness about the plight of the environment and engage citizens to take a more active part in protecting the country’s resources.
Recently, volunteers of various organizations that included Canon Marketing (Philippines) Inc. (CMPI), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) NCR, Department of Environment and Natural Resources NCR, LBC Foundation, La Consolacion College Manila, Armed Forces of the Philippines, JCI San Pedro Portal Key, Adamson University, and the Presidential Communications Operations Office planted some 1,000 saplings at the La Mesa Reservoir.
Pilipinas Natin! champions the campaign with the slogan, “Nagbabago na ang panahon; panahon na magbago.”
PIA Director General Mari Oquiñena exclaimed, “Seeing all these young people come together to plant trees shows that Filipinos do care; they just need an avenue to channel their efforts. We’re happy to see the enthusiasm of companies and institutions”
A person is estimated to consume one tree a year from a daily consumption of stationery, hygiene, housing, and other products.
“Canon believes in the power of working together for a great cause,” said CMPI corporate communications manager Ernalou Del Rosario.
CMPI has been actively participating in environmental awareness and conservation under an umbrella program dubbed as GreenNation, which covers a wide spectrum of activities.