Posted on October 2, 2024
Cebu City —Arcadis, the leading global design and consultancy firm for natural and built assets, recently partnered with JEG Tower in a reforestation initiative and beach cleanup in Purok Bakhaw, Sitio Sulima, Cotcot, Liloan in Cebu. As part of its ongoing efforts to give back to the community, the Arcadis Philippines, Inc. Cebu team donated 5,000 mangrove seedlings and actively participated in the planting activity, which was held last 21 September.
The initiative aims to support the local government in reforesting a vast area near Cotcot River with 1 million mangroves to help mitigate climate change and protect coastal communities. Mangroves are crucial for shoreline stabilization, storm protection and carbon sequestration. By participating in this activity, the team contributes to the restoration of Cebu’s coastal ecosystems and ensures a more resilient future for the region.
Over 15 dedicated volunteers from Arcadis Philippines, Inc. joined the mangrove planting initiative alongside JEG Tower stakeholders—including employees and tenants—as well as members of the local government and the community. The combined efforts contributed to the event’s overall success and reinforced the importance of community involvement and collaboration in environmental conservation.
Hertricia Mariano, CCM Director and Arcadis Philippines, Inc. Cebu Head, shares: “At Arcadis, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. By participating in the reforestation efforts at the 1-million-mangroves site, we are also planting the seeds for a more resilient and sustainable future—protecting coastal communities, managing disaster risks and providing long-term benefits to ecological health. This reaffirms our commitment to enhancing quality of life for the people and the communities we serve.”
Arcadis Philippines, Inc. Cebu participated in the activity as a culmination of its Local Sparks Challenge project that aims to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, restore shoreline stability for coastal communities and increase carbon sinks in the Philippines. Local Sparks is a social impact movement funded by Arcadis, the Lovinklaan Foundation and Katalys, aimed at empowering Arcadians to improve quality of life in their neighborhoods through community projects.
Philip Balingit, Resilience Director at Arcadis Philippines, Inc. Cebu, shares the inspiration behind the team’s Local Sparks Challenge activity: “Our journey to supporting the 1 million mangroves reforestation initiative began with our deep-rooted connection to Cebu’s ocean and nature. We’ve witnessed firsthand the beauty and resilience of the whole province, including coastal communities.
“However, we’ve also experienced the devastating effects of climate change, including the devastation of Typhoon Rai’s in 2021, Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, and the storm surges that followed that threatened our shores. By planting mangroves, we aim to contribute to the health of our ecosystems and ensure that future generations can still enjoy what we have now. This initiative is about our commitment to protecting our home and building a more resilient future for all.”
