Coca-Cola Philippines employees join tree-planting activity at La Mesa Watershed.
Turning commitment into concrete action, Coca-Cola Philippines employees rolled up their sleeves at the La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City for a hands-on tree-planting activity that underscored the company’s push for water stewardship and environmental protection.
Held on December 17 at the Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center inside the La Mesa Watershed, the activity was carried out in partnership with Million Trees Foundation.
Employees planted native seedlings as part of the Annual Million Trees Challenge, a long-term watershed rehabilitation program that traces its roots to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and is now being sustained by the foundation. The initiative aims to grow and nurture 10 million additional trees by 2030.
The choice of location was no accident. La Mesa Watershed remains Metro Manila’s primary watershed and one of the last major forest reserves in the region, supplying water to millions of households.
MTFI President and Executive Director Melandrew T. Velasco, together with Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony del Rosario and Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Senior Director Maria Christine Garcia, joined the tree-growing orientation before the tree-planting activity, where they learned proper tree-planting techniques and sustainable practices for watershed conservation.
Protecting it is crucial not only for water security but also for climate resilience. Reforestation efforts that emphasize tree-growing rather than simple planting help stabilize soil, improve groundwater recharge, and strengthen ecosystems over the long term.
According to Million Trees Foundation President and Executive Director Melandrew T. Velasco, corporate and community participation plays a vital role in restoring critical ecosystems. He noted that when partners like Coca-Cola Philippines actively join on-the-ground efforts, the impact goes beyond symbolism and directly supports the protection of watersheds that sustain millions of Filipinos.
For the employee volunteers, the activity offered more than just a day outdoors. It provided a deeper understanding of watershed stewardship, a key pillar of Coca-Cola Philippines’ Sustainability Matters campaign.
Senior Director for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Maria Christine Garcia said the experience reinforced the idea that sustainability is driven by action, adding that collective effort turns small steps into meaningful progress.
Company leadership echoed the importance of employee involvement in advancing long-term sustainability goals. Coca-Cola Philippines President and Vice President for Franchise Operations East of Coca-Cola Far East Limited Tony del Rosario emphasized that the company’s environmental journey is built on strong partnerships and the commitment of its people.
He said initiatives like the La Mesa activity highlight the shared responsibility of safeguarding essential resources while working closely with communities to create lasting impact.
The reforestation drive at La Mesa Watershed forms part of Coca-Cola Philippines’ broader sustainability agenda, which focuses on water security, environmental stewardship, and collaborative action. More information on the company’s sustainability programs is available at www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/sustainability.