PNOC Renewables Corporation have successfully completed another environmental cause last September 29 and 30, 2016. The activity dubbed as “Tree Planting and Nurturing Activity” was held at the La Mesa watershed in Quezon City. This is PNOC RC's company’s corporate social responsibility and share to protect the environment in support of its vision in conserving natural resources through the development of renewable energy. Moreover, this is the company’s response to the global call for action on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The two-day feat highlighted planting of about 2,000 indigenous tree seedlings of molave (Vitex parviflora), narra (Pterocarpus indicus), kamagong (Diospyros blancoi), kalumpit (Terminalia microcarpa), bignai (Antidesma bunius), and banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa). These species were known to be suitable for local climate conditions, high resistance to insect and disease attacks, and more typhoon resilient. The DENR National Capital Region entrusted PNOC RC a 4-hectare planting site to maintain and protect the planted seedlings for the next 3 years through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Based on DENR studies after 3 years, the seedlings can withstand prevailing environmental conditions of the site. In addition to these studies, the trees take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a rate of 0.4 to 0.8 ton for every cubic meter of growth or 14 to 17 kilograms of CO2 per year. Carbon is continuously locked during the lifetime of the tree. The PNOC RC planted trees in a four (4)-hectare area can sequester about 154 tons CO2-equivalent, annually, .
A total of 64 employees participated in the event composed of 31 men, 33 women and graciously shared their time and effort in spite of continued rains and the 30-minute trek through the muddy trail of the planting site. Other participants were from PNOC Alternative Fuels Corporation, PNOC Parent Company, PNOC Exploration Corporation, and relatives of PNOC RC employees have also shown stanch and perseverance to be part of the noble event.
Finally, PNOC RC proved that indeed it is one with the government and the challenge of Climate Change Commission in fulfilling its share in promoting Renewable Energy programs and Go Green campaign of the country.
