January 3, 2012

Hyundai Asia Resources Takes Lead as Biggest Donor in Rain Forestation Efforts


Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press
Here's a bit of news from HARI (Hyundai Automotive Resources, Inc.) and it's CSR efforts in 2011--specifically, its efforts to partner with HARIBON in re-forestation programs in the Philippines.

Press Release
Hyundai Automotive Resources, Inc. Takes the Lead as 
Highest Donor to HARIBON's 2011 "Rain-Forestation" Efforts

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), official distributor of Hyundai cars in the Philippines, and advocate for a greener environment, is the year’s highest single donor to HARIBON Foundation’s reforestation efforts in Bgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal. The leading automotive firm met its 2011 target to support HARIBON’s reforestation efforts through the donation and planting of 15,000 tree seedlings. One hundred and sixty volunteers from HARI, composed of employees, representatives from HARI’s Metro Manila and Laguna dealerships, and members of Team Hyundai, gladly got their hands dirty under the supervision of Ms. Christine Cenal, Head of HARIBON’s Corporate Partnerships Division, and Mr. Thaddy Martinez coordinator of HARIBON’s Road to 2020 program, who guided the group on correct tree planting techniques. The volunteers aimed to plant 33 seedlings each. The November 26 volunteer tree planting activity capped HARI’s “green” partnership with HARIBON, which kicked off in August 26 and was followed up in September 3 this year. HARI covered a total of 12 hectares in three areas of Bgy. Cuyambay, which was devastated by Typhoon Ondoy in 2009.

 “We celebrate our partnership with HARIBON and thank them for having given Hyundai this opportunity to serve our country in an enduring way,” said HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.

According to Ms. Cenal, the goal of HARIBON Road to 2020 is “rain-forestation,” or to revive a million hectares of rainforests in the country.

Thriving rainforests house millions of plant and animal species and are an important source of the active ingredients used in the prescription drugs that we take today. Globally, over 20% of the oxygen we breathe and at least a fifth of the world’s fresh water come from the Amazon rainforests alone. The presence of rainforests prevents soil erosion which either triggered or aggravated the tragic flooding and mud and landslide incidents that the Philippines experienced in recent years.

In solidarity with HARI and HARIBON’s “rain-forestation” campaign, the tree planting activity was covered by GMA Network’s Born to Be Wild, a weekly a travel and wildlife show hosted by Kiko Rustia and Romi Garduce.

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