Wells Fargo has renewed its partnership with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) and its One to Tree (OTT) program, to grow an additional 38,500 mangrove trees in Lobo, Batangas, as an ongoing commitment to support the growth and rehabilitation of mangrove forests in the Philippines. (In photo: On April 19, 2024, 100 volunteers from Wells Fargo Philippines planted 2,000 of the 15,000 seedlings for the WF1 Mangrove Rehabilitation Project, contributing to the restoration of the mangrove ecosystem.) The new project, set to be implemented in Brgy. Lagadlarin and Brgy. Olo-Olo, will focus on producing, planting, and maintaining mangrove seedlings over the next three years. 40–45 community members from two People’s Organizations (POs) will be trained and actively involved in the production, planting and maintenance activities, helping to build local capacity in mangrove management. Partner organizations for this initiative include Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda sa Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan sa Brgy. Lagadlarin (SMMPKBL), a key partner from the first project with Wells Fargo, and Olo-olo Seaside Workers’ Association (OSWA), a new partner for this effort. The mangrove restoration will benefit approximately 2,000 residents of Brgy. Lagadlarin and 1,500 residents of Brgy. Olo-Olo by improving coastal protection and environmental resilience. This initiative is supported by LGU Lobo through the Office of the MENRO (Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office), Barangay LGUs of Lagadlarin and Olo-Olo, the Provincial Government of Batangas through the office of PGENRO (Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office), and other local stakeholders. In 2023, Wells Fargo provided an initial grant, which successfully funded the planting of 15,000 mangrove seedlings in the same municipality. The seedlings are currently in the monitoring and maintenance phase under the care of the SMMPKBL people’s organization with the involvement of around 20-30 members and other community members. This first project will run until 2026, ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of the mangrove ecosystem. This partnership further exemplifies that when organizations with the same commitment come together for environmental stewardship and community development, anything can thrive. By continuing to work with local organizations and community members, this project aims to contribute to the larger effort of protecting and rehabilitating the Philippines’ coastal ecosystems while improving livelihoods and resilience in vulnerable communities. “We are grateful for Wells Fargo’s continued support of our mangrove rehabilitation projects. This second grant allows us to expand our efforts in Lobo, Batangas, and create even more positive impacts for the environment and the communities we serve,” said RAFI’s Chief CAP Officer, Estee Marie Plunket. Mangrove forests play a crucial role in preventing natural disasters, combatting climate change and protecting seaside communities. Preserving them is key to the health of our environment and protecting coastal population.
