Environmental model

From the highway, the 78-hectare plant complex of Toyota Motor Phils. at Sta. Rosa, Laguna is easily mistaken for a park or a subdivision.

A long line of bamboo trees intercropped with corn line the sides of the Sta. Rosa River, thereby preventing soil erosion and siltation of the river and, at the same time, serving as the company’s perimeter fence. Fruit-bearing and non-fruit bearing trees are planted alongside ornamentals everywhere.

Wild birds, including hawks, and even pythons are commonly spotted in the 10-hectare forest nursery cum ecology park within the complex. The nursery alone occupies two hectares and contains 5,000 plants.

"We have tapped the technical expertise and support of UP Los Baños Institute of Forestry and Natural Resources and other environmental groups with established expertise in forestry. The output of the nursery is donated to other organizations involved in greening many parts of the country," said Crispin Mostoles, a retired army colonel who is in charge of the nursery.

Manufacturing model

The Sta. Rosa complex houses not only TMP, which produces Toyota sedans for the local market, but also Toyota Autoparts Phils., which manufactures transmissions and constant velocity joints for the export market. By 2005, TMP will consolidate its manufacturing by moving the production of Asian utility vehicles or AUVs from Bicutan to Laguna.

The Sta. Rosa factories of both TMP and TAP are ISO 14001 certified, which means they meet the highest international standards in environmental quality.

At the forefront of TMP’s commitment to environmental preservation is the TMP Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit organization manned by highly qualified full-time and voluntary members. "

"The complex has become a model for manufacturing plants to follow," said Antolyn Rey Bantuan, junior group chief of the waste water facility.

Recycling

For example, a P10-million waste water treatment plant treats the waste water from the company’s manufacturing plant, offices, toilets, and canteens and recycles the treated water for the use of the nursery and for the raising of ducks, turkey, native chickens and horses. Even the St. Peter’s fish (tilapia) and catfish (hito) ponds use recycled water.

"Tanks containing the treated water already have fish in them, a clear indication that it is safe for living things," said Bantuan. "The treated water can now be thrown to the Sta. Rosa River–following the regulations of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–but the company uses the treated water for its own requirements."

Also being recycled are the inorganic metallic residues and grime from treated water. The sludge treatment plant can produce 6,000 tons per month of inorganic waste, which is now being hauled by a contractor. Mixed with resin, the waste become bricks and hollow blocks.

All these environmental efforts have translated to a manufacturing complex so beautiful and clean that employees like to take their lunch break outside during good weather.