As the world marks Earth Day 2025, Manila Standard revisits its 14th IntegriTree sowing, held earlier this month in Brgy. Balibago, Calatagan, Batangas—a modest yet meaningful step in its long-running commitment to environmental stewardship.
The tree-planting activity last April 9, gathered 50 volunteers, including employees and partners, who joined hands to plant 600 mangrove propagules and conduct a coastal cleanup.
Now on its 14th iteration, the IntegriTree program has contributed over 20,000 trees, bamboos, and mangrove propagules to various ecosystems across Luzon.
“Seeing someone so young take part reminds us that we’re not just planting trees—we’re planting values,” said Edgar Valmorida, Circulations Head, referring to Pio Guinto, who at nearly 7 years old, joined the activity for the third time alongside his parents. “It’s his third time with us.”
Over the years, IntegriTree has evolved into more than just a corporate responsibility event—it has become a family affair. Sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, and even students from partner communities have rolled up their sleeves to join Manila Standard’s call for environmental stewardship. Each new hand that plants a seed helps sow a deeper culture of responsibility, hope, and action for the future.
For the media company, whose foundation lies in truth-telling and public service, the IntegriTree project represents a broader civic mission—one that goes beyond headlines and into the heart of community engagement.
“This is but a small step for environmental change,” said Anita Grefal, Manila Standard’s Officer-in-Charge for Operations. “But we believe that even small acts, done consistently and sincerely, can create ripples that lead to bigger, lasting impact.”
Grefal emphasized that environmental stewardship is a duty owed not only to future generations, but also to the present. “If we can persuade others—even just one person—to take that step, whether through a single social media post, a shared photo, or a short conversation, that’s already a victory.”
The initiative was supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Universal Robina Corporation (URC), the Bureau of Plant Industry, and Purple Store. Representatives from the DENR’s Batangas PENRO praised the effort for its consistency and grassroots engagement.
“Efforts like IntegriTree show that no contribution is too small. What matters is showing up, year after year,” said Ver Enriquez in Filipino. He is the president of the local People’s Organization under DENR Batangas PENRO.
IntegriTree has also expanded beyond tree planting. Advertising Solutions Head Baldwin Felipe shared that in 2019, IntegriTree launched its first grassroots event—an essay writing and photography contest for NCR-based college students aimed at raising environmental awareness. “We are excited to bring back the contest in the coming months,” Felipe said, adding that the new edition promises to be bigger, bolder, more interactive, and more attuned to today’s next-generation environmental warriors.
As Earth Day prompts reflection on how individuals and institutions can protect the planet, Manila Standard hopes its sustained CSR efforts can inspire other companies, corporations, and organizations to join in the fight for a more sustainable future.
After all, environmental change may not happen overnight—but inspiration can start with one step, one story, one seed.
