In 2005, HARIBON Foundation began a mission to bring back Philippine forests, now called the Forests for Life Movement. Big goals for forest restoration were set, including integrating reforestation targets in almost every project. In HARIBON’s journey, we found committed partners along the way. These partners have since joined us along the road and helped sustain HARIBON’s forest conservation programs.
HARIBON’s big goals for forest restoration began at “home”, in a humble office fondly called “Pugad”. It is here that we nest and brew, that we plan, organize and deploy. And it is through the machinations that occur in the Pugad do we do the huge and important work of forest restoration. Back in 1972, when HARIBON was formed, and again in 2005 when ROAD to 2020 (Rainforestation Organizations and Advocates) was launched, and finally in 2018 when the Forests for Life Movement was ingrained into the Foundation, HARIBON knew that true sustainability meant protecting the homes of our Philippine Eagles and the many other species that lived in that ecosystem. We knew that to be truly sustainable, the Filipinos needed to protect the forests that sheltered and provided for our cities. We knew that success in conservation meant expanding horizons and protecting, not just the Philippine Eagle, but also the forests and biodiversity we all depend on. But to achieve this great feat, we needed people to support us. Thankfully, HARIBON has not been alone in this challenging journey.
HARIBON’s big goals for forest restoration began at “home”, in a humble office fondly called “Pugad”. It is here that we nest and brew, that we plan, organize and deploy. And it is through the machinations that occur in the Pugad do we do the huge and important work of forest restoration. Back in 1972, when HARIBON was formed, and again in 2005 when ROAD to 2020 (Rainforestation Organizations and Advocates) was launched, and finally in 2018 when the Forests for Life Movement was ingrained into the Foundation, HARIBON knew that true sustainability meant protecting the homes of our Philippine Eagles and the many other species that lived in that ecosystem. We knew that to be truly sustainable, the Filipinos needed to protect the forests that sheltered and provided for our cities. We knew that success in conservation meant expanding horizons and protecting, not just the Philippine Eagle, but also the forests and biodiversity we all depend on. But to achieve this great feat, we needed people to support us. Thankfully, HARIBON has not been alone in this challenging journey.
From their own home to joining HARIBON’s
In 2014, Haribon Foundation formed a partnership with Sanitary Care Products Asia, Inc. (Sanicare), a homegrown and leading hygiene brand in the country that takes their goals for nature seriously. Sanicare has an incredible sustainability agenda that builds a workforce culture that highlights the company and the employees’ innate connection to the Earth and the importance of their role in its protection. For nine years and counting, they not only funded the Forests for Life Movement, they are there with us – in the trenches and crevices of the mountains, in the 5-hour drives, the 2-hour climbs, the mud, the thorns, the rain, the forests. Each year, without fail, Sanicare’s team of 30-50 individuals answer our call From 2014 to 2023, they have planted over 13,250 native trees and restored 10.6 hectares through HARIBON’s Forests for Life Movement. Sanicare eventually knew our forests, understood the mission, and connected with the local community.
Sanicare’s support does not stop at planting indigenous trees. By supporting the Forests for Life Movement, they also provide support to the local communities and organizations partnered with Haribon to ensure that the trees we plant are monitored and maintained. It is through these organizations that we can maintain an average of 92.77% survival rate in our restoration efforts. For these communities, the forests are their homes, and Sanicare’s contribution is one they cherish.
Sanicare’s support does not stop at planting indigenous trees. By supporting the Forests for Life Movement, they also provide support to the local communities and organizations partnered with Haribon to ensure that the trees we plant are monitored and maintained. It is through these organizations that we can maintain an average of 92.77% survival rate in our restoration efforts. For these communities, the forests are their homes, and Sanicare’s contribution is one they cherish.
Six years of partnership and over 13,000 native trees planted
Not only do our community members recognize Sanicare by the brand, they now know Sanicare’s employees by name and heart. This is a friendship formed through years of working together. Last September 30, 2023, Sanicare once again journeyed to Presidential Proclamation (PP) 1636 in Real, Quezon for a tree planting activity. When Haribon made a call to inform our partner organization of Sanicare’s return, the response from the local community was overwhelming – almost all of the members were happy to spend their weekend helping Haribon and Sanicare in planting trees.
Travelling from Manila at 3:30 am, arriving at Quezon at 7 am, and deep into the forests of PP 1636 by 9am, Sanicare’s team planted another batch of 1,250 native trees. They listened to our community partners’ stories about the landslides, of homes and lives lost, of their advocacy to teach others about the importance of the forests, and before we were out of the woods, Sanicare knew they were coming back next year. Best of all, their youngest volunteer, an 8-year old who gave up his weekend TV time, said he had fun. By engaging individuals of all ages Sanicare helps build a generation with a closer relationship with Mother Earth – starting with a boy that met his mother mountain in Sierra Madre.
Travelling from Manila at 3:30 am, arriving at Quezon at 7 am, and deep into the forests of PP 1636 by 9am, Sanicare’s team planted another batch of 1,250 native trees. They listened to our community partners’ stories about the landslides, of homes and lives lost, of their advocacy to teach others about the importance of the forests, and before we were out of the woods, Sanicare knew they were coming back next year. Best of all, their youngest volunteer, an 8-year old who gave up his weekend TV time, said he had fun. By engaging individuals of all ages Sanicare helps build a generation with a closer relationship with Mother Earth – starting with a boy that met his mother mountain in Sierra Madre.
Forming more caring homes
As Sanicare joined Haribon in efforts to restore the Philippine native trees in our forests, so do they partner with consumers to reach more homes. Seek out the Haribon logo on Sanicare’s toilet paper products and know that they are making an effort toward conversation. The proceeds from the sale of these tissue products sourced from renewable tree farms go toward the Forests for Life Movement, specifically the restoration of protected forests in the Sierra Madre mountain range. Sanicare also carries a eco-layer tissue line where a layer of recycled paper sits between 2 virgin-pulp layers, an innovation that gives consumers the same quality paper, ensuring hygiene and sustainability.
Through your choices at home, you, too, can contribute to a biodiversity-friendly future.
Donate to the Forests for Life Movement today via haribon.org.ph/donate and learn more about Sanicare by visiting scpa.com.ph.
Through your choices at home, you, too, can contribute to a biodiversity-friendly future.
Donate to the Forests for Life Movement today via haribon.org.ph/donate and learn more about Sanicare by visiting scpa.com.ph.
