Stories of inspiration

Growing Green Together: PSFI and Partners Nurture Hope at La Mesa Ecopark

On July 5, 2025, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), through its employee volunteerism program Shell ACTS (A Community That Serves), joined fellow League of Corporate Foundation (LCF) members in a meaningful Tree Nurturing Activity at La Mesa Ecopark. The initiative marked a collective stride for CSR Week 2025 and reaffirmed each organization’s commitment to the Net Zero initiative and environmental stewardship.

The activity brought together representatives from Alcantara Foundation, ICTSI Foundation, Unilab Foundation, Manila Water Foundation, Megawide Foundation, Zuellig Family Foundation, Telus, and PSFI—including several Executive Directors—reflecting a shared vision across sectors: to sustain and protect one of Metro Manila’s last remaining green lungs.

Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to plant Cupang trees (Parkia javanica), a native species known for its resilience and ecological value. In addition to tree planting, the volunteers also participated in seed bagging, ensuring a continued pipeline of young plants for future reforestation efforts.

Before the hands-on work began, participants received a grounding orientation on the ecological significance of La Mesa Ecopark. Spanning 33 hectares, the park is a vital urban forest that supports biodiversity and protects the La Mesa Watershed, Metro Manila’s primary water source. As one of the few green sanctuaries in the capital, La Mesa’s preservation has become ever more urgent in the face of rapid urbanization and climate change.

The tree nurturing activity stands as one of many actions aligned with PSFI’s sustainability goals and its role in Shell Pilipinas Corporation’s Just Transition strategy, which promotes inclusive, people-centered solutions for a low-carbon future. PSFI continues to advocate for environmental responsibility, working hand-in-hand with community partners, local governments, and fellow organizations to sustain ecosystems and strengthen climate action.

As the sun filtered through the canopy and volunteers left their footprints in the soil, the message was clear: change begins when we come together—with roots deep in purpose and branches reaching toward a greener tomorrow.

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