Our primary mandate is to explore and develop indigenous sources of energy, to boost our country’s energy security. PNOC EC prides itself as the energy company that also cares for the environment. Although we are by nature an extractive industry, we fully appreciate and understand that as we take from the planet, so must we give. Sustainability is the key, leaving future generations with a planet and quality of life that allows for equitable opportunities for all.

The External Relations Department spearheaded “Pay It Forward, Plant A Tree” in the critical watershed areas of Malangas and Diplahan, and in Imelda – all in Zamboanga Sibugay Province.

Over 1,100 indigenous seedlings were planted across the three areas, with another 450 seedlings donated to the various Local Government Authorities. ERD marshalled over 500 volunteers from the different National High Schools in each Municipality, as well as from the local Disaster Risk Reduction Offices for this massive environmental activity.

In Isabela Province, as part of its compliance with the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) of Coal Operating Contract 122 (COC 122), PNOC EC spearheaded a massive tree planting activity in Cauayan City and the Municipality of Benito Soliven earlier in the year. PNOC EC gamely participated in the “Plant Trees for a Greener Future” of the Environment and Natural Resources Offices of Cauayan and Benito Soliven, that saw 1,700 endemic and indigenous trees planted in the Gappal Eco Park of Cauayan, and the landslide-prone Barangay Yeban Sur in Benito Soliven. Towards the end of the year, PNOC EC returned to Cauayan and Benito Soliven, this time to 80 fruit bearing seedlings, and 580 bamboo propagules. These are all part of reforestation and carbon sink initiatives of the Local Governments.

Tree planting was also carried out in Santiago City, home of our Service Contract 37 (SC 37). Dariok Hills, a popular local tourist destination known for its lightly forested hills, stations of the cross and transfiguration chapel in Brgy Balintocatoc, was the site of tree planting, with senior citizen volunteers from Brgy. Balintocatoc, and the Santiago City Environment and Natural Resources Office. PNOC EC donated 500 fruit bearing seedlings and 225 bamboo propagules and together with the volunteers planted 50 grafted fruit bearing seedlings, a big boost for the Santiago CENRO’s environmental initiatives.