Special Feature: AAC Lightweight Block Corporation's (ABC) Tree Planting Initiative in The City of Naga, Cebu by Alan Miscala, Jr., ChE

AAC Lightweight Block Corporation employees celebrating      
their tree planting endeavor 

Experiencing excessive heat from the sun as early as 7 o'clock in the morning is nowadays typical. It is believed to be attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels. Many of the activities we do everyday such as turning the lights on, cooking food, or cooling our homes rely on energy sources like coal and oil that emit carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere. Each of us should be reminded that we have the responsibility to be good stewards of the Earth.

                              Planting trees is one of the easiest and most sustainable ways to positively affect the environment. Trees are like the lungs of the planet. They breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. Aside from this, it improves the quality of the natural environment. It increases forest cover attracting more wildlife and increasing the beauty of the environment.

We need trees now more than ever! Trees are our lifeline to cleaner air and a healthier environment. Trees increase property value. Landscapes that include trees help relax us, lower heart rate and reduce stress. Thus, a Tree Planting Program in our own way has been organized.

Last May 13, 2017, Saturday, AAC Lightweight Block Corporation (ABC), an affiliate of the Primary Group of Builders (PGB), has undertaken the above activity at Brgy. Tagjaguimit, City of Naga, Cebu, to establish a reforestation and carbon sink program using endemic/indigenous species to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) thrust to reduce GHG emissions and push the National Greening Program.

The objectives of the Tree Planting Program include: to establish a nursery program for the production of at least 11,000 seedlings in partnership with PGB agriculture group in support of the Green Philippines Master Plan which will be utilized for tree planting activities; to help drive awareness in preserving our environment; and to relieve stress by organizing a recreational activity outside the workplace.

The expected results of this activity are as follows: 1) At least 1,000 seedlings of indigenous trees shall be planted every year; 2) ABC employees, together with participating co-affiliates to the PGB, shall be more inclined to pro-environment activities in the coming years; 3) ABC employees and co-affiliates shall be more aware of the benefits of taking care of our environment; 4) ABC Company will ultimately comply with its commitment to establish a reforestation and carbon sink program.

All in all, the Tree Planting activity opened an avenue of fun and creativity, and thus, it has started to pave the way to make ABC employees stress-free! Furthermore, the hiking experience of ABC employees to undertake tree planting has seen to improve individual wellness and fitness, making employees and other participants healthier.

Cheers to ABC's Tree Planting initiative for the year!