Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. rang in the holidays in 2024 by giving back to nature, partnering with the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) to plant around 600 seeds of the critically endangered Philippine teak in Lobo, Batangas, ensuring the sustainability of the province’s flora and fauna.

Lobo, Batangas is one of only two sites in the Philippines where the endangered Philippine teak can grow, the other one being Mindoro.

Converge engaged its supplier in Batangas, Ambtel Corporation, to join in the year-end tree-planting activity.

Considered as the company’s gift  to the forest community in Lobo, Batangas – particularly the 200-hectare conservation site of the Philippine teak –  as well as ensuring furtherance of its environmental protection agenda, the tree-planting activity of Converge gathered 53 individuals including suppliers last December 2024.

“Through this partnership with Binhi, we are hitting UN Sustainable Development Goals No., 13, 15, and 1. This also allows us to give back to the planet and create positive community impact. We all know that our carbon footprint is particularly high during the holidays so we wanted to do our part to buck the trend and help in reducing it. Incidentally, this activity also helps us to engage our employees and provide a venue for them to appreciate our sustainability commitments,” said Jennifer Ambanta-Realubit, Converge Community Relations Manager.

Converge employees and suppliers went on a 1-kilometer hike to the forest community where the seedlings of the Philippine teak are to be planted.

“We are your partners in promoting good environmental stewardship as the Converge headquarters in Pasig is powered by our geothermal plant; this is a natural and logical partnership between two environmentally-responsible companies,” noted Soleil Acu, Partnership Officer.

EDC’s Binhi program, now in its 15th year, is the biggest private sector-led forest restoration initiative in the country, and as of this year, counts 222 organizations as its partners in restoring denuded forests and rescuing threatened species of trees.

Converge employees planted around 600 seeds of the critically endangered Philippine teak in Lobo, Batangas. Binhi of the Energy Development Corporation closely coordinates with the forest community to ensure the seedlings will thrive.

Converge, in fulfilling its Sustainability Pillar of Giving Back to the Planet, targeted to plant 4,000 trees by end-2024. It has met and exceeded this goal, starting with the Sapang Bato, Pampanga tree planting in 2021, and culminating with this activity in Batangas.

To solidify their partnership and significantly, pave the way for more forest restoration collaborations, Converge and EDC are eyeing to sign a Memorandum of Agreement in Q1 2025.

“We aim to sustain this partnership as Converge, and companies everywhere adapt to the shift to a lower-carbon economy. We hope to pursue more projects in forest preservation next year and of course, we are keen to participate in other environmental causes,” noted Jay-Anne Encarnado, VP and Corporate Communications and Public Relations Head.