In line with its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and with the support of Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., Aboitiz Construction has teamed up with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) to launch the Mangrove Forest Enhancement Project in San Fernando, Cebu.
A partnership signing ceremony was held at Aboitiz Construction’s Head Office in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City last May 26. The project, which will run through a long-term partnership until 2029, aims to produce, plant, and nurture 1,000 mangrove seedlings to enrich an estimated 0.10 hectares of mangrove area in Brgy. San Isidro. Beyond environmental restoration, the initiative focuses on empowering the 25 members of the San Isidro Farmers and Fishermen Association (SIFFA) by building their organizational capability through specialized training in mangrove enrichment including plantation design, nursery establishment, seedling production, site preparation, and maintenance.
These capacity-building interventions are designed to ensure long-term organizational sustainability while directly addressing socio-economic challenges. The project will provide income augmentation to the 25 partner fisherfolks through seedling production purchases as well as paid labor for site preparation, planting, and plantation maintenance.
“We are proud to partner again with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation for this Mangrove Forest Enhancement Project. It not only preserves vital ecosystems but also supports local livelihoods. By engaging our teams and community partners, we aim to create a lasting, positive impact for both the environment and the people of San Fernando,” said Karmine Andrea Ching, Sr. AVP for Business Transformation of Aboitiz Construction.
The project also aims to achieve a high minimum survival rate of 85% for the planted seedlings by the time of the project turnover, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the mangrove forest and its positive impact on the local ecosystem.
This goal will be supported through continuous monitoring, maintenance, and community involvement in caring for plants. “As RAFI celebrates 60 years, it’s always our pleasure to come back to the group that started this journey with us and has also evolved with us.
One to Tree used to be plain tree growing or a compliance-driven activity, but the program has grown to include communities and ensure they are part of the impact. Thank you for your continued support over the last few years. We look forward to continuing this partnership and to the actual mangrove planting in Cebu.” said Amaya Cristina Fansler, CEO and President of RAFI.
This project adds to Aboitiz Construction’s broader sustainability efforts. In 2024, Aboitiz Construction also signed a three-year partnership with the RAFI to plant 1,455 seedlings in Lian, Batangas.
