Lian, Batangas – Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH), the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), and Good Neighbors International Philippines (GNIP), together with local government and community partners, officially launched the Laguluan Tree Park: IONIQ Forest in Sitio Altura, Barangay Prenza, Lian, Batangas, reinforcing their shared commitment to environmental conservation and community development. The launch gathered key leaders from the public, private, and non-government sectors, including Mr. Byung Goo Ko, President and CEO of HMPH; Mr. HongShik Chin, CFO of HMPH; Ms. Amaya Cristina A. Fansler, President and CEO of RAFI; Mr. Dong Chul Park, Country Director of GNIP; Dr. Marivic Esmas, Officer-in-Charge of the Batangas Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO); Hon. Iniño Bolompo, Vice-Mayor of Lian; Mr. Jon Michael Austria, Municipal Administrator of Lian; and Mr. Rodel Malinay, President of the Altura Spring Farmers Irrigators Association Inc. (ASFIAI). They were joined by other local government officials, community representatives, and other stakeholders in affirming their shared commitment to the project's long-term success. Being the first IONIQ Forest Project in the Philippines, the initiative aims to strengthen environmental protection and community resilience by conserving the existing Laguluan Mini Forest and transforming it into a tree park under the IONIQ Forest program. Guided by a co-developed site development plan, the project will focus on the planting and nurturing of 3,000 native timber seedlings and the creation of additional green spaces within the area. Through the partnership, approximately 0.80 hectares of forest cover will be enriched to support long-term ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation. The project targets a seedling survival rate of at least 85%, helping ensure the sustainability of reforestation efforts in the area. Beyond its environmental benefits, the program is designed to create positive socio-economic impacts for the local community. Around 35 members of the Altura Spring Farmers Irrigators Association Inc. (ASFIAI) will be engaged in seedling production, plantation establishment, maintenance, and monitoring activities, providing additional sources of income while strengthening local stewardship of the forest. The project will also equip partner farmers with knowledge and skills in farm planning, seedling production, plantation management, and forest monitoring, helping build local capacity for the long-term sustainability of conservation initiatives. The launch marks an important milestone in the partners' collective efforts to transform the Laguluan Mini Forest into a model tree park that promotes forest conservation, environmental education, community engagement, and ecotourism. Through this collaboration, HMPH, RAFI, GNIP, local government units, and community partners aim to create lasting environmental and social benefits for future generations while contributing to a greener and more resilient Batangas. Meaningful change happens when communities, organizations, and individuals work together. Partner with RAFI One to Tree and be part of a movement that is restoring forests and building a greener future for all.
