Mangrove reforestation project gets IBM grant

MANILA, Philippines - IBM recently turned over its Community Grant to the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in support of IBM’s environmental sustainability programs in the country.

“We are grateful to our member and trusted partner IBM and the IBMers who participated in the Blue Mangrove reforestation project,” said Rafael Lopa, PBSP executive director.

A portion of the $1,500 grant will be used to fund actual program costs for the continuation of mangrove conservation and rehabilitation efforts in Cebu. The grant will also support the Save the Buhisan Watershed Project, an initiative that aims to rehabilitate the Buhisan Watershed to ensure sustainable water supply for Metro Cebu while improving the lives of the nearby communities and promoting the area as an eco-tourism site.

Earlier this year, IBM partnered with PBSP to hold a reforestation initiative in Olango Island, Cebu, as part of its Centennial Celebration of Service. Over 100 IBMers with local Cebu media and bloggers embarked on the Blue Mangrove reforestation project, starting with a day-long trek to the knee-deep mangroves in Barangay San Vicente, Olango Island to plant 10,000 mangrove propagules.

The initiative aimed to protect and rehabilitate the threatened ecosystem that serves as breeding grounds for marine life, shelter for migratory birds, and is an integral part of estuarine and marine food chains.

“Being among the founding members of PBSP, IBM has been working with the organization towards our shared goals of making the world work better through sustainable contributions to communities. As we approach our 75th anniversary in the Philippines in 2012, we will continue to reinforce environmental awareness in the minds of IBMers and carry on our push toward sustainable development for our communities,” said Chestnut Andaya, country manager for Marketing, Communications, Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs, IBM Philippines.

IBM Corporation celebrated its centennial last June 16.