Coca-Cola Philippines Strengthens Water Stewardship Through Reforestation at La Mesa Watershed

Coca-Cola Philippines continues to turn its sustainability commitments into real action as employees took part in a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Watershed, one of Metro Manila’s most vital water sources.

On December 17, 2025, employee volunteers gathered at La Mesa Dam in Quezon City in partnership with the Million Trees Foundation, reinforcing the role of corporate volunteerism in protecting natural resources that millions of Filipinos rely on every day. The activity highlighted how shared responsibility between companies, communities, and environmental organizations can help safeguard the country’s water security.

Held at the Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center inside the La Mesa Watershed, the activity involved planting native tree seedlings as part of the Annual Million Trees Challenge. This long running watershed rehabilitation program began under the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and is now sustained by the Million Trees Foundation Inc. The initiative aims to plant 10 million additional trees by 2030 to restore degraded forest areas and strengthen watershed ecosystems.

La Mesa Dam serves as Metro Manila’s primary watershed and remains one of the region’s last major forest reserves. Its protection plays a critical role in maintaining a clean and stable water supply for the capital. Beyond planting trees, reforestation efforts focus on long term tree growing to improve soil stability, enhance groundwater recharge, and build ecological resilience against climate related risks.

According to Million Trees Foundation Inc President and Executive Director Melandrew T. Velasco, collective action is key to the success of watershed rehabilitation. He emphasized that the presence of partners such as Coca-Cola Philippines helps accelerate restoration efforts at La Mesa, with each seedling representing a long term investment in ecosystems that support millions of people.

Before the planting activity, volunteers joined an orientation on proper tree growing techniques and sustainable watershed conservation practices. The session was attended by Velasco alongside Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony del Rosario and Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Senior Director Maria Christine Garcia, reinforcing the importance of learning and responsible action in environmental protection.

For Coca-Cola Philippines employees, the activity offered a hands on opportunity to contribute to environmental stewardship while gaining a deeper understanding of the country’s water systems. Garcia shared that the activity reflected the heart of the company’s Sustainability Matters campaign, showing that sustainability becomes meaningful when people come together and take action.

Del Rosario highlighted how employee volunteerism strengthens the company’s broader sustainability goals. He noted that Coca-Cola Philippines’ environmental efforts are anchored on strong partnerships, long term commitments, and the active participation of its people. Protecting essential resources like the La Mesa Watershed, he said, requires collaboration and consistent action to create lasting impact.

Through initiatives like this reforestation activity, Coca-Cola Philippines continues to support watershed protection while empowering employees to play a direct role in environmental conservation.

More information about Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability programs is available at www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/sustainability

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