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Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) has mobilized its dedicated network of volunteers for a vital mangrove planting activity at a National Greening Program (NGP) site in Unisan, Quezon. This effort underscores the company’s steadfast commitment to its ‘All Toyota Green Wave Project,’ aiming to plant one million trees by 2030.
Led by TMP President Masando Hashimoto, the volunteer group comprised TMP team members, officers of the TMP Foundation, representatives from Toyota Lucena City, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government officials, and members of local communities. Together, they successfully planted 13,000 mangrove seedlings, contributing significantly to the preservation of vital coastal ecosystems.
In parallel, two-time Paralympic swimmer and Global Team Toyota Athlete Ernie Gawilan spearheaded a coastal clean-up as part of his ongoing advocacy for clean waters and inclusivity—an initiative known as the Dual Hero Project, launched in 2019 in collaboration with TMP. This project is a cornerstone of Toyota’s global corporate responsibility efforts.
As a leader in mobility, TMP aims to expand its climate action initiatives beyond mere carbon reduction, embracing nature-positive activities and carbon offsetting. The company plans to increase annual planting targets, adopt new sites nationwide, and engage volunteers both within and outside of the Toyota network to maximize impact.
With a strategic focus tailored to Philippine ecosystems, TMP’s Green Wave project has adopted a total of 108 hectares under the DENR’s NGP across upland and coastal areas in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Rizal. These efforts support critical ecosystems such as the Sierra Madre and the Verde Island Passage, regions vital for biodiversity and local livelihoods.
The Unisan site marks the final location for TMP’s coverage in the CALABARZON region (Region IV-A), further solidifying its nationwide commitment.
“To mark ten years of the Green Wave Project, I am proud to reaffirm TMP’s pledge to plant one million trees by 2030,” said Masando Hashimoto during his speech. “The 13,000 mangrove seedlings planted today are part of this goal, alongside those already established in other parts of CALABARZON. While our work here in Quezon concludes our efforts in this region, the challenge to reach one million trees continues.”
Following the planting activity, the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines led volunteers in a bird-watching activity to document local avian species and assess the area’s biodiversity, highlighting the interconnectedness of healthy ecosystems.
Unisan Mangrove Ecosystem: A Vital but Vulnerable Coastal Area
Unisan, part of Tayabas Bay in Quezon province, boasts the third-longest coastline in the Philippines. Recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) by the DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau, it has experienced declining mangrove cover due to human activities, threatening marine biodiversity and increasing community vulnerability to natural disasters.
Through the DENR’s NGP, TMP is adopting 20 hectares of coastal area, with a plan to plant 50,000 mangrove seedlings over five years. Engaging local people’s organizations in planting and maintenance not only restores ecosystems but also provides alternative income opportunities for fisherfolk communities.
Local authorities emphasize that private sector support is crucial for sustainable community benefits. Mangrove forests bolster coastal defenses, revitalize fisheries, and enhance local livelihoods—making them a dual solution to climate resilience and carbon sequestration, as mangroves sequester more carbon dioxide than many terrestrial forests.
Ernie Gawilan: Championing Clean Waters and Ecosystem Preservation
Ernie Gawilan, a celebrated Paralympic swimmer and Asian Para Games champion, continues to inspire through his environmental advocacy. As part of his commitment, he has launched a month-long Mangrove Planting and Coastal Clean-up initiative in partnership with TMP and its dealer network nationwide. This effort aims to surpass last year’s milestone, furthering TMP’s goal of planting one million trees by 2030.
In December 2024, Gawilan led a similar initiative in his hometown of Samal, Davao del Norte, planting over 10,000 mangrove seedlings and collecting 700 bags of waste from shorelines, demonstrating his dedication to environmental stewardship.
A Global Movement for Nature
Launched in 2015, the All Toyota Green Wave Project is a global initiative supporting ecosystem protection, restoration, and sustainable use. It aligns with Toyota’s sixth Environmental Challenge—Building a Future Society in Harmony with Nature.
Since 2016, TMP’s network has contributed over 371,000 trees nationwide, including 120,000 under the NGP. Through upland reforestation, mangrove rehabilitation, and biodiversity conservation, the company continues to champion environmental sustainability across the Philippines.