NZCA executive director Atty. Allan Barcena (right) and First Balfour strategic business planning head Vicente de Lima II plant a Philippine native tree at Sevina Park The Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA), in collaboration with Arthaland Corporation and the British Embassy Manila, held a tree-planting activity at Arthaland’s LEED Platinum and BERDE five-star certified estate, Sevina Park in Laguna, in celebration of Earth Month.

The initiative saw partners come together to plant native trees such as katmon, mapilig, bolong-eta, mangkono, narra, banaba, malakatmon, kalingag, malabulak and salinggogon.

Atty. Allan Barcena, executive director of NZCA, highlighted the growth process of trees, both fast and slow, mirroring the journey toward sustainability. He emphasized the resilience of trees in adverse conditions, a quality mirrored in the steadfast commitment of NZCA partners. He also spoke to the interconnectedness within the ecosystem and the alliance, where a common purpose and shared goals bind members in their advocacy.

Barcena noted: “Today, planting these trees represents our commitment to become net zero, and we hope to nurture this bond, this connection, as we continue our journey. This event is a testament to protecting the environment, a significant climate action to create a lasting legacy.”

Andrew Bowes, political counsellor and Green Team cochair of the British Embassy Manila, highlighted the urgency of nature-based solutions alongside clean energy transitions.

He said: “Planting a tree is an act of hope. It’s often said that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now—because it’s an investment in a future we may never fully see, but one we shape today.”

Among the NZCA partners that participated were First Balfour, Monde Nissin Corporation, SGV & Co., OCS Philippines, Razza Consulting Group Inc. and Energy Development Corporation (EDC).

NZCA cited the participating partners for their contributions. Special thanks were extended to Arthaland for cohosting the event and providing Sevina Park as the planting site. The British Embassy Manila was acknowledged for its support and enthusiasm in sponsoring native trees.

BINHI, EDC’s forest protection and biodiversity conservation program, was recognized for ensuring that the initiative is rooted in science and best practices.

The tree-planting activity served as a tangible step by NZCA to offset a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions from its 2023 and 2024 conferences, aligning with the spirit of Earth Month.

Participants also had the opportunity to learn from forester Rich Paul Cosio, EDC watershed management officer, who delivered a lecture on the importance of promoting and caring for native trees.

Arthaland sustainability manager Ar. Anne Lictawa concluded the program by expressing her gratitude to all participants and conveying her hope for the successful growth of the newly planted trees.

Teams from NZCA partners including Arthaland did their share for Mother Earth

(Story by:Monique Lugartos)