The Okada Manila casino resort in the Philippine capital says it has partnered with the country’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in a “massive forest rehabilitation programme” under the ministry’s National Greening Program.
It involves a tree-planting initiative at La Mesa Watershed (pictured), described in a press release as “Metro Manila’s critical ecological reserve”.
The watershed is said to provide drinking water for more than 12 million residents of Metro Manila, according to a written announcement by Okada Manila.
Patrick Henry Villacorte, chief security and safety officer of Okada Manila, was cited as saying: “This tree planting activity is a powerful reflection of our values.”
He added: “Through the Okada Green Heart programme, we’re proud to give our team members opportunities to protect what matters and contribute meaningfully to a better, greener future.”
The Okada Green Heart programme, particularly via its ‘Talent & Community’ pillar, aims to promote “employee engagement and positive social impact,” said the update.
Michael Drake Matias, OIC executive director at DENR-National Capital Region (NCR), was quoted as saying: “The DENR-NCR and Okada Manila are sowing the seeds of resilience, clean air, and climate action for everyone.”
The release said that Okada Manila is in the second year of a three-year partnership with the DENR.
Under the arrangement, the casino firm is entrusted with the stewardship of a 1- to 2-hectare (2.5- to 5-acre) reforestation site at the watershed.
Through the initiative, Okada Manila is said to be supporting 500 indigenous forest tree species as part of the DENR’s “Forests for Life” campaign, which aims to plant 5 million trees by 2028.
On June 27, a total of 110 Okada Manila staff – working as volunteers – planted 200 seedlings to contribute to the ecological renewal of the La Mesa Watershed.
The effort “served as a hands-on expression of Okada Manila’s long-term investment in clean air, biodiversity, and community well-being,” said the statement from the property.
Okada Manila also participated at an event organised by DENR-NCR in celebration of Philippine Arbor Day on June 25, under the theme ‘Amazing Trees’. The update said the event combined adventure, teamwork, and environmental education through tree-themed challenges held across the La Mesa Watershed.
