PR98414

It takes a community to raise trees: SM Foundation, Inc. and the Fast Retailing Foundation are partnering with communities for 'Grow Trees Community' project

PASAY CITY, Philippines, Oct. 21, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

There is wisdom that takes root in the old proverb, 'it takes a village to

raise a child'.

In the same vein, SM Foundation, Inc. the social good arm of the SM group, and

the Fast Retailing Foundation (FR Foundation), a general incorporated

foundation in Japan, are partnering with communities to raise various species

of trees in the firm hope that together, they can plant the seeds for a better

tomorrow.

Grow Trees Community taps local communities as stewards of the environment.

As 'Grow Trees Community', the 'treescaping' and reforestation initiative aims

to plant and grow at least 200,000 trees in Batangas, Pampanga and Benguet

provinces and help create livelihood opportunities by working closely with

conservation-focused people's organizations and various government agencies.

"The core of our program is to go beyond planting trees. It addresses the

social and economic needs of communities by providing them with the means to

engage in agroforestry. We want to build a strong foundation to keep growing

communities by fostering collaboration and leadership in caring for the

environment," said Cristie S. Angeles, SM Foundation Assistant Vice President

for Livelihood and Outreach Programs.

In a coastal village in the municipality of Macabebe where the project has the

biggest exposure, both foundations intend to plant the Bakawan species of

mangroves to serve as a natural defense against storm surges while enhancing

ecological biodiversity.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1880730/Logo.jpg

"We are particularly drawn to this project which is a first in terms of our

partnerships here in the country. After we can confirm the success of this

project, we are looking forward to pursuing more of these types of projects in

the near future in collaboration with our partner, SM Foundation," Yoshio

Ishida, Secretary-General of FR Foundation said.

Grow Trees Community is in support of the SM Green Movement that aims to

improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to

promote a green planet, green living and a green culture.

FR Foundation focuses on promoting research designed to spur technological

development, nurture human resources and support socially vulnerable groups. It

is part of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., the leading Japanese retail company that

owns well-loved casual wear brand, Uniqlo.

SOURCE: SM Investments Corporation

Image Attachments Links:

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=432066

   Caption: FR Foundation Secretary-General Yoshio Ishida, (center) and SM Foundation AVP

for Livelihood and Outreach Programs Cristie Angeles (behind, fifth from left)

lead the Grow Trees Community launch in Pampanga.

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=432069

   Caption: Grow Trees Community taps local communities as stewards of the environment.