Leading the Biodiversity Restoration in Mt. Makiling were (from left to right) Ar. Adrian Chua, Chief Operating Officer of Eton Properties; Che C. Mutuc, Chief Finance and Risk Officer of Eton Properties; Dr. Jerome L. Montemayor, ACB Executive Director; and Donna Kristine B. Salgado, AVP – Head of Marketing, PR & Corporate Communications, and Sustainability & ESG Officer of Eton Properties.
LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA — Swapping suits for soil-stained gloves, over 50 volunteers from Eton Properties joined the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) in a tree-planting and biodiversity restoration drive at the foot of Mt. Makiling.
The activity forms part of Beyond Green—Eton’s sustainability program that has grown from a campaign into a comprehensive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework. More than just a slogan, Beyond Green reflects the Lucio Tan Group’s real estate arm’s commitment to building responsibly, nurturing communities, and protecting natural resources.
At the Makiling Botanic Gardens inside the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Eton volunteers planted native and endangered species, including the Kalingag or Philippine cinnamon, a tree endemic to the country. This hands-on effort directly contributes to restoring one of the Philippines’ most vital watersheds while safeguarding biodiversity.
The day extended beyond planting. Guided by ACB Executive Director Dr. Jerome L. Montemayor, participants trekked through Mt. Makiling’s lush trails, learning about native trees, medicinal plants, and wildlife that thrive in the forest. Later, a learning session highlighted how biodiversity conservation supports watershed health, climate resilience, and the well-being of surrounding communities.
“This effort goes beyond planting trees. It’s about protecting ecosystems and inspiring our volunteers to preserve the natural world for generations to come,” said Adrian Chua, Chief Operating Officer of Eton Properties.
From office to forest: Over 50 Eton Properties volunteers trade desks for shovels as they prepare soil and seedlings for the day’s biodiversity-restoration activities.
Mt. Makiling, an ASEAN Heritage Park, is one of only a handful of Philippine sites recognized for exceptional biodiversity value, alongside Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in Negros Oriental, Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary in Tawi-Tawi, and Apo Reef Natural Park in Occidental Mindoro.
“Mt. Makiling is a vital watershed and biodiversity haven. Through our partnership with ACB, Eton Properties is honored to help protect this irreplaceable natural treasure and safeguard its benefits for generations to come,” said Che C. Mutuc, Eton’s Chief Finance and Risk Officer.
For Donna Kristine B. Salgado, AVP for Marketing, PR & Corporate Communications and Sustainability & ESG Officer, the program reflects Eton’s deeper purpose. “We are Eton. We Go Beyond. is more than a tagline. It is our pledge to build sustainably. Beyond Green began as a campaign but has since become our guiding strategy in how we design communities, engage stakeholders, and protect the environment. True progress means making sure what we build today preserves the natural heritage of tomorrow.”
Trail of knowledge: ACB Executive Director Dr. Jerome L. Montemayor (right) leads participants along a lush Mt. Makiling trail, pointing out native trees, medicinal plants, and local wildlife.
With muddy hands and renewed purpose, volunteers left Mt. Makiling not just with memories, but with a mission—to continue restoring and protecting the environment. From tree seedlings to thriving forests, and from muddy hands to lasting change—this is what Beyond Green stands for.