Honda Brings Joy to the Community: Launch of the Tree Planting and Livelihood Program for Blue Skies

The Honda Foundation, Inc. (HFI) has achieved another milestone, demonstrating its commitment to environmental preservation and community well-being through Honda’s Tree Planting and Livelihood program in Barangay Magsaysay, Siniloan, Laguna. As part of this initiative, Honda has established a 5-year Tree Planting and Livelihood program, adopting 28 hectares of the Sierra Madre Mountains under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) National Greening Program. The reforestation efforts involve planting 14,000 fruit-bearing trees. Honda formalized this partnership with a Memorandum of Agreement signed on March 12, 2024, collaborating with DENR Region IV-A and the Magsaysay Coconut Farmers Association (MACOFA). Additionally, Honda joined the national celebration of Arbor Day in June, an annual event dedicated to tree planting.

The groundbreaking tree planting event was attended by HFI Board of Trustees led by HFI President and concurrent President of Honda Parts Manufacturing Corp. (HPMC) Mr. Seiji Fujimoto; Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) President Ms. Sayaka Arai; Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) President Ms. Rie Miyake; and Honda Trading Philippines Ecozone, Corp. (HTPE) President Mr. Tomoyuki Mabuchi. The event also received strong support from Mayor Patrick Ellis Go and the Siniloan municipality community. Around 100 volunteers, including Honda employees, support team members, personnel from the Municipal Environment & Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Community Environment & Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Philippine National Police (PNP), and MACOFA farmers, participated in the activity. As of June 21, 2024, more than 2,000 trees have been planted.

Earlier this year, Honda furthered its environmental advocacy by collaborating with DENR-CENRO Sta. Cruz and the Municipality of Siniloan for a river cleanup activity in Barangay Macatad, Siniloan, Laguna. Coinciding with the World Water Day celebration on March 22, 2024, this initiative aimed to raise community awareness about the importance of preserving the environment and freshwater resources. A total of 240 kg of waste was collected during the event, including 75 kg of biodegradable waste, 150 kg of non-biodegradable waste, and 15 kg of residual waste. The Siniloan River, a vital tributary of Laguna de Bay and a developing ecotourism site, was chosen for its significance to local residents, tourists, and mountaineers.

Additionally, the Honda Foundation, Inc. (HFI), in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Training Center – NCR, launched a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program called the TESDA RTC NCR – HONDA ROOM in Taguig City. This facility, exclusively used for HONDA motorcycle and automotive learning laboratories, equips instructors and trainees with essential knowledge in HONDA technology, providing access to quality education and employment opportunities. The initiative aims to uplift the Filipino workforce and improve the financial status of impoverished youth and their families. In the future, the facility will serve as a TESDA Training and Assessment Center venue. On March 20, 2024, TESDA and HONDA signed a memorandum of agreement to formalize their partnership. HONDA donated six motorcycle units, two automobiles, lifters, special tools, and classroom furnishings to support the training programs.