Leading fiber internet service provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has affirmed its commitment to sustainability as it joined hands with environmental group Abacan River and Angeles Watershed Advocacy Council, Inc. (ARAW-ACI) and the Angeles City local government unit for the planting of a total of 2,000 tree seedlings in Barangay Sapangbato.

In the tree-planting activity held Saturday, around 25 Converge employees volunteered to join the activity that aims to help rehabilitate, protect, and nourish the Angeles Watershed. Converge also donated 100 narra tree, 100 giant bamboo, and 100 mango tree seedlings to be planted in the two-hectare site inside the watershed area.

“The tree-planting event is part of a bigger advocacy campaign called “Adopt-a-Watershed” wherein we plant a mix of indigenous native trees, fruit-bearing trees and bamboos, with the aim of restoring biodiversity in the Sapangbato area. We are grateful to Converge and all the employees for participating today, and we look forward to our future partnerships,” ARAW-ACI President Renato “Abong” Tayag Jr. said.

The 560-hectare Angeles watershed is being rehabilitated to ensure the sustainable water supply for Angeles and Metro Clark area. The environmental group has been at the forefront of efforts to develop the watershed and initiate reforestation as Angeles is said to be at risk of running out of water due to excessive pumping from the ground.

“As part of our commitment to sustainability, we are responsible for the protection of the environment, especially in the areas where we operate. We are glad to be a part of this initiative with ARAW-ACI, particularly because this is where Converge first started, here in Angeles City,” said Converge Corporate Communications and PR Director Jay-Anne Encarnado.

Employee Engagement and Nation-building

“Through this worthwhile activity, we aim to foster teamwork among employees and encourage the spirit of volunteerism through meaningful activities,” shared Albert Benjamin Custodio, Converge Senior Human Resources Director.

“Our business is founded on nation-building by providing connectivity to the unserved and underserved communities. Our sustainability efforts are also part and parcel of our nation-building efforts as we give back to the communities where we operate,” he noted.

Rising as early as 1:00 in the morning, Converge employee volunteers not just from Pampanga but also from Metro Manila trooped to Angeles City to plant five seedlings each during the greening activity, alongside other advocates from the LGU and other private sector institutions.

“The volunteers were eager to be part of a company that believes in environmental protection. Converge employees are very participative because they feel blessed by the company and would like to give back by helping others,” added Auie Villarin, Converge Senior HR Business Partner for Regional Operations.

“I enjoyed our tree-planting activity because I am also a plantita and I believe that it is important for Converge to join environmental activities because this is for our children and the future generations,” said Scarlet Ebba, Converge Enterprise Sales Key Accounts Manager.