Sparkle artists volunteer for tree-planting activity at La Mesa Watershed

Sparkle artists have joined employees from GMA Network and Nestle Philippines to plant 900 bamboo clumps and 100 narra plantlets at the Kapuso at Kasambuhay ng Kalikasan tree-planting event at the La Mesa Watershed on Friday morning.

In line with the National Environment and Awareness Month in the Philippines, GMA Network, Nestlé? Philippines, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Million Trees Foundation Inc. and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) organized the event that drew some 150-200 volunteers, which include Sparkle artists Anjay Anson and Kirsten Gonzales.

“’Yung energy na binibigay sa atin ng nature is so remarkable and amazing kaya kailangan natin protektahan ito. For us in GMA and Sparkle, it is our duty to empower Filipinos in protecting nature and the environment,” Anjay during the opening ceremony.

Sparkle Star Anjay Anson shares why it's important to protect the environment @gmanews pic.twitter.com/hNTZwycTak

— Francis Felix Falgui (@fffalgui) November 25, 2022

“Nature has given us everything like food and shelter. So, I think it’s time na we give back din and help the environment, kasi it’s for us din naman,” Kirsten shared on why everyone should give back to nature.

The planted bamboo and narra trees are essential as natural disasters and man-made deforestation caused the loss of 10 million hectares of forests in the past 100 years. It is a part of Nestlé’s global reforestation initiative to plant 200 million trees worldwide by 2030.

Anjay Anson and Kirsten Gonzales share the importance of taking care of the environment as Sparkle stars and individuals. @GMANews pic.twitter.com/Me6RQmM70F

— Francis Felix Falgui (@fffalgui) November 25, 2022

Meanwhile, Bea Arboleda, Executive Assistant to GMA Network SVP Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdez, said the tree-planting event is a good way to repair the damage caused by human consumption.

“Everyday there are trees cut down, but who’s replacing them? So I think that the GMA and Nestlé collaboration really helps to cater to that problem,” Arboleda said.

Nestlé Philippines VP & Corporate Communications Head Michelle Pador said that combined efforts of the private sector in fighting climate change can pave the way to a cleaner and greener planet.

ICYMI: Sparkle artist Anjay Anson shares his hopes on how the bamboo and narra trees planted today can help the environment. @GMANews pic.twitter.com/hdVl2kMSPn

— Francis Felix Falgui (@fffalgui) November 25, 2022

“We believe tayo sa Nestlé, sa GMA Network at Sparkle, naniniwala tayo na if we work together, we can accomplish more towards a cleaner, greener, and more livable planet, not only for our children, but also for future generations,” Pador said.

During the program’s opening ceremony, DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change Analiza Rebuela-Teh lauded the efforts of GMA and Nestlé Philippines for implementing a nature-based solution to adapt to Climate Change.

“Natutuwa kami na ang mga private sector tulad ng Nestlé at GMA go beyond their corporate social responsibility to protect and promote environmental protection and fight Climate Change,” Usec. Rebuela-Teh said.

Usec. Rebuela-Teh also encouraged the youth to adapt a behavior that will protect the environment and secure the future of generations to come.

“Ang pinaka-importante kasi ay ang mindset, so yung behavior traits na ating kinakampanya at ang nakikita natin na magiging tagataguyod ng ating behavior change campaign ay ang kabataan,” Usec. Rebuela-Teh said in an interview.

The tie-up isn't new. Last September, GMA Network and Nestle collaborated for a coastal cleanup at the Las Piñas Paranaque Critical Habitat & Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA). The event drew Sparkle artists including Rabiya Mateo, Yasser Marta, Rain Matienzo, and Vanessa Pena. — LA, GMA Integrated News