Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) formalized a strategic partnership for the Laguluan Tree Park: IONIQ Forest Project with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and Good Neighbors International Philippines (GNIP) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing held on June 1, 2026, at F1 Hotel Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
The collaboration supports Hyundai’s global IONIQ Forest Project, which aims to contribute to the company’s goal of planting one million trees worldwide. In the Philippines, the partnership builds on HMPH’s first mangrove forest enrichment project in Lian, Batangas in partnership with RAFI One to Tree, where 5,000 mangrove seedlings were planted in 2024, achieving a 99% survival rate as of the second quarter of 2026. This is done through sustained maintenance and community engagement with the partner people’s organization (PO) leaders and members.
Expanding on this momentum, the partners will implement the Laguluan Tree Park: IONIQ Forest Project in Barangay Prenza, Lian, Batangas, from May 2026 to September 2029. The initiative aims to plant and nurture 3,000 native timber seedlings, enriching approximately 0.80 hectares of forest cover while supporting environmental conservation, ecotourism, and forest-based learning opportunities.
Beyond tree growing, the project places communities at the center. Around 35 local farmers will be supported through training and opportunities to participate in site development and maintenance, helping strengthen both livelihoods and long-term stewardship of the environment.
“For over 60 years, RAFI has worked across key sectors that underpin sustainable development, with the environment as one of its core focus areas,” said Amaya Cristina A. Fansler, President and CEO of RAFI. “All of our work is grounded in a simple but powerful belief—that meaningful and lasting change happens through partnerships, with the needs and dreams of communities at the center.”
“We are honored to be part of this collaboration and grateful for the trust placed in us,” she added.
Fansler shared that the initiative represents a long-term investment in environmental protection and community resilience in Lian, Batangas. “This project is particularly meaningful as it complements our ongoing mangrove restoration efforts. Beyond increasing tree cover, it creates shared green spaces where communities can gather and where children can grow their connection with nature.”
As part of the partnership, GNIP will support financial management and reporting processes, while RAFI will help facilitate on-ground implementation and community engagement, drawing on its experience in sustainability and grassroots development.
The partnership coincides with HMPH’s fourth anniversary in the Philippines, underscoring its continued commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth through multi-sector collaboration.
A ceremonial project launch and planting activity are expected later this year as implementation progresses.
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