THE tree planting program under the collaboration of listed food company Century Pacific Food, Inc. (CNPF), mobile wallet GCash, and impact organization HOPE has reached 300,000 trees as of November.
CNPF said in a stock exchange disclosure on Thursday that the tree planting program covered an equivalent of 3,000 hectares of land with new coconut seedlings since it began its initiative.
In August, CNPF partnered with GCash and HOPE to plant 1 million coconut trees via GForest, which seeks to support small-holder coconut farmers in South Cotabato and Sarangani.
GForest is a feature on the GCash application that allows its users to help in environmental protection.
“By reducing their carbon footprint and doing cashless services like sending money, paying bills and buying prepaid load in GCash, users are awarded green energy points in GForest, which they can use to claim a virtual tree. CNPF, GCash, and HOPE then convert these virtual trees into real coconut trees,” the listed firm said.
Noel M. Tempongko, Jr., CNPF vice-president and coconut division general manager, said more than 2,300 farmers have already benefitted from the program.
“We are very pleased with the progress that we’re making. Through GForest, we have a platform that enables us to spread awareness and involve consumers in our journey,” Mr. Tempongko said.
GCash Chief Customer Officer Winsley Bangit said the partnership empowers its users to help the environment.
“The partnership empowers our users to become ‘green heroes’ in their own right and ensures that we help promote a ‘green lifestyle’ for future generations to come,” Mr. Bangit said.
According to CNPF, the initiative of planting a million coconut trees is an integral part of its sustainability program.
“With the help of GForest and HOPE, the company’s coconut division will effectively reach net zero carbon emissions by 2028. It will help secure the Company’s long-term supply of raw materials for its fast-growing coconut business,” CNPF said.
On Thursday, shares of CNPF at the local bourse rose 1.89% or 50 centavos to end at P27 apiece. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave