In Mapawa, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City, a shared purpose took root on March 21, 2026.
Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC), and the Coast Guard District Northern Mindanao (CGDNM) came together for a tree-planting activity that went beyond celebration. Held as part of CGDNM’s 27th Founding Anniversary, the initiative reflected a broader commitment to protecting the environment while strengthening partnerships that serve communities.
A total of 450 narra seedlings, known as the Philippines’ national tree, were planted across the site. Each seedling represents more than future shade or timber. It stands for long-term investment in biodiversity, climate resilience, and healthier ecosystems in Northern Mindanao.
Seventy-four volunteers took part in the activity, including 51 Coast Guard personnel, two representatives from PSFI, and 21 participants from SPC and partner contractors. Together, they turned a simple act of planting into a collective effort grounded in shared responsibility and purpose.
More than a one-day activity, the initiative highlighted the power of collaboration. By bringing together the public sector, private sector, and civil society, it demonstrated how partnerships can translate into concrete environmental action. Efforts like these contribute to soil stability, carbon sequestration, and sustainable land use, while also building a culture of stewardship among participating organizations.
For PSFI, the activity reflects its continuing commitment to environmental sustainability and community-based development. By supporting initiatives that protect natural resources, the Foundation helps create pathways for communities to thrive while safeguarding ecosystems that future generations depend on.
The work, however, does not end with planting.
Ensuring the survival and growth of the seedlings through regular monitoring and sustained engagement will be key to realizing the full impact of this initiative. It is in this continued care that the true value of the effort will be seen.
As PSFI, SPC, and CGDNM strengthen their collaboration, this initiative serves as a reminder that meaningful change grows over time. When partnerships are rooted in shared purpose and sustained through action, they can transform landscapes and communities alike, one tree at a time.
