DAP employees pose for a photo during the CSR with the UP Sierra Madre Nature and Conservation Reserve as the perfect backdrop for the tree planting event

In a remarkable display of corporate social responsibility (CSR), employees of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) planted a total of 500 tree saplings in the University of the Philippines (UP) Sierra Madre Nature and Conservation Reserve located at Barangay Magsaysay, Siniloan, Laguna on August 4, 2023.

Some 116 officers and staff headed by the Vice President and CSR subcommittee lead Alan Cajes, took part in the reforestation activity. Armed with bamboo shovels, saplings and a spirit of camaraderie, they worked side by side to carefully plant a variety of local tree saplings, which include malaruhat na puti, malaruhat na pula, guyabano, santol, malalansones, bani, laneteng gubat, and kitmon. Foresters from UP Sierra Madre Nature and Conservation Reserve were present to guide the employees and provide insights about the importance of reforestation.

(L-R) DAP Vice President and CSR subcommittee lead Alan Cajes thanks the officers and staff who have taken time out of their busy schedules to make a positive impact on the environment. 

Meanwhile, Laguna-Quezon Land Grant field supervisor Reynaldo Lorida gives an orientation about the role of trees in mitigating climate change, preventing soil erosion and providing habitat for local wildlife.

In his message, Cajes emphasized the importance of planting trees as a way to combat climate change and other environmental disasters. He thanked the DAP employees who joined the activity, noting their participation despite the uncertainty of the weather.

Laguna-Quezon Land Grant field supervisor Reynaldo Lorida echoed Cajes’ earlier remarks and gave a short orientation on the history and role of land grants. Lorida also underscored the significance of maintaining the planted seedlings to ensure their survival.

As the day drew to a close, exhausted but satisfied employees gathered for a short closing ceremony to thank and distribute tokens to the foresters and UPLG staff.

With the success of this tree planting activity which is part of the DAP’s 50th founding anniversary celebration, the DAP community hopes that it will inspire other institutions to take similar actions, creating a ripple effect of positive change for the environment.

-Arvie Joyce Cayabyab