The Honda Foundation, Inc. (HFI) has achieved a significant milestone, reinforcing its dedication to environmental preservation and community welfare through Honda’s Tree Planting and Livelihood program in Barangay Magsaysay, Siniloan, Laguna. This initiative features a five-year program to plant 14,000 fruit-bearing trees across 28 hectares of the Sierra Madre Mountains, as part of the DENR’s National Greening Program. The program was formalized with a Memorandum of Agreement signed on March 12, 2024, between Honda, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IV-A, and the Magsaysay Coconut Farmers Association (MACOFA).
Honda also participated in the nationwide celebration of Arbor Day in June, emphasizing the importance of tree planting. The event saw the involvement of HFI Board of Trustees led by HFI President and concurrent president of Honda Parts Manufacturing Corp. (HPMC), Mr. Seiji Fujimoto; Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) President, Ms. Sayaka Arai; Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) President, Ms. Rie Miyake; and Honda Trading Philippines Ecozone, Corp. (HTPE) President, Mr. Tomoyuki Mabuchi. Strong support was also received from Mayor Patrick Ellis Go and the Siniloan community.
Around 100 volunteers, including Honda employees, members of the Municipal Environment & Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Community Environment & Natural Resources (CENRO), Philippine National Police (PNP), and farmers from MACOFA, participated in the tree planting activity. As of June 21, 2024, more than 2,000 trees have been planted.
Fostering a Clean River for the Community
Earlier this year, Honda collaborated with DENR-CENRO Sta. Cruz and the Municipality of Siniloan, Laguna, for a river cleanup activity in Barangay Macatad, Siniloan, Laguna. This effort, aligned with the World Water Day celebration on March 22, 2024, emphasized the importance of environmental preservation and clean water. A total of 240 kg of waste was collected, including 75 kg of biodegradable waste, 150 kg of non-biodegradable waste, and 15 kg of residual waste.
The Siniloan River, one of the 21 tributaries of Laguna de Bay monitored by the Laguna Lake Development Authority, is a crucial site for both environmental and recreational activities. Honda’s cleanup efforts contribute to the conservation of the river and support the well-being of local residents and tourists.
Empowering the Youth through Education and Skills Development
In partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Training Center – NCR, the Honda Foundation, Inc. (HFI) launched the TESDA RTC NCR – HONDA ROOM in Taguig City. This Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program provides exclusive facilities for HONDA motorcycle and automotive training, equipping instructors and trainees with vital skills in HONDA technology.
The initiative, formalized with a memorandum of agreement on March 20, 2024, aims to uplift the Filipino workforce by offering quality education and employment opportunities. HONDA has donated six motorcycles, two automobiles, lifters, special tools, and classroom furnishings to support the training center. The facility is expected to serve as a TESDA Training and Assessment Center, certifying learners in motorcycle and automotive courses with a maximum of 25 trainees per batch.
