Over 400 indigenous seedlings will soon sprout at the La Mesa Nature Reserve, following a tree-planting activity recently held by Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) together with Sun Life brand ambassador Matteo Guidicelli and in partnership with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc.

The La Mesa Nature Reserve houses the La Mesa Watershed, which serves as a source of clean and affordable drinking water for most of Metro Manila and nearby provinces. It is considered as the last remaining rainforest of its size in Metro Manila. This is why the Sun Life Foundation is committed to supporting its reforestation by conducting regular tree-planting activities, with the help of Sun Life employees and advisors. The activity had been put on hold due to the pandemic, but was resumed after two years amid the improving situation.

“We’re grateful to Matteo, our volunteers, and ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya for the support,” Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Kristine Millete said. “This activity is a small but important step towards our goal of advancing environmental stewardship, and we look forward to doing more.”

Matteo echoed this sentiment, saying that planting more trees will help build a brighter future. “It’s great to see how Sun Life promotes investing not just in terms of the monetary aspect, but also in the environment,” he said. “This is a wonderful activity especially after being stuck indoors for most of the pandemic. We got to enjoy the outdoors while also fulfilling an important task that will benefit the younger generation of Filipinos.”