ANGELES CITY, Philippines — Balibago Waterworks Systems Inc. (BWSI) planted 1,000 seedlings at its adopted 10-hectare site in Sitio Bliss, Barangay Sapangbato, on Oct. 16 as part of its continuing watershed rehabilitation program and efforts to protect water resources in Clark and nearby communities.
The tree-planting activity, conducted in partnership with the Abacan River and Angeles Watershed Advocacy Council Inc. (ARAW-ACI) and the Kapatirang Aetas ng Angeles-Porac para sa Kalikasan at Agrikultura (KAAPKA), marked the company’s fifth planting initiative at the site.
Under its Project 10,000 program, BWSI aims to plant 10,000 trees across the adopted area over the next few years to help restore the watershed and support long-term water resource protection.
“BWSI aims to protect and rehabilitate the watershed and save Clark water resources. Project 10,000 is one of the flagship CSR programs of Balibago Waterworks,” BWSI President Criselle Alejandro said.
“We believe that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility amongst all sectors of society. We want a future that sustains life where no one is left behind,” she added.
Alejandro said the company’s environmental advocacy also includes protecting the lives, culture and rights of Indigenous Peoples, recognizing their role in conserving natural resources.
The activity coincided with the celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Month, honoring the company’s Aeta partners for their contributions to environmental protection and their longstanding connection to the land.
Among those who participated were ARAW-ACI President Rene “Abe” Tayag, Vice President Sonny Dobles Jr., KAAPKA President Henry Pan, Soliman E.C., members of the Nagkakaisang Guardians, and representatives of the Angeles City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).
The initiative highlights the role of private companies, environmental organizations, Indigenous communities and local government agencies in protecting watersheds, which are vital to sustaining water resources and supporting surrounding communities.