Clark, Pampanga (15 May 2024) – Travel + Leisure Global Support Services Philippines took the next step in its three-year conservation program with the planting of 73 fruit-bearing trees with the Aetas of Barangay Sapang Bato, Angeles City. This marks the company’s commitment to the community and environmental sustainability/
The tree planting activity contributes to conservation in the Angeles City watershed while providing the Aeta community with a source of food and potential livelihood, as they can sell the fruits at local markets. The fruits include rambutan, cotton fruit (santol), jackfruit (langka), and mango.
Travel + Leisure Co. Philippines employees and partner Aeta community members have planted over 1,300 fruit trees and bamboo since the start of the project. The project has also received technical guidance and tree seedlings from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Liam Crawley, President of Travel + Leisure Co. Philippines, expressed his enthusiasm about the project: “This incredible experience allows our employees to actively contribute to conservation efforts alongside our partner Aeta community. Our collaboration with the Aetas has been growing strong for three years, showcasing a shared commitment to nurturing the environment and supporting local people.”
In addition to tree planting, Crawley also distributed treats to Aeta children, further strengthening the bond between the company and the community.
The wider Angeles City watershed conservation is a collaborative effort involving the government, private sector, non-profit organizations, volunteers, and local communities. This initiative aims to protect the 560-hectare watershed amidst challenges posed by the region’s booming population and development.
Henry Pan, an Aeta representative directly involved in the project, noted significant environmental improvements due to these concerted conservation efforts: “We now see more local wildlife back in the forest such as wild boars, monitor lizards, civet cats, butterflies, and more birds. Also, dried out streams and waterfalls now start to have water flowing again.”
Travel + Leisure Co. Philippines is committed to supporting these efforts by organizing more tree planting activities and an eco-tour led by the Aeta community this year. The tour will engage employees and deepen their understanding of the importance of conserving the watershed, local biodiversity, and the traditional practices of the Aeta community.
Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL) is the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company, with a portfolio of nearly 20 resort, travel club, and lifestyle travel brands. The company’s Clark office provides operational, technical, and creative support to multiple business units of Travel + Leisure Co. across the globe. Learn more about Travel + Leisure Co.’s environmental, social, and governance initiatives here: https://www.travelandleisureco.com/esg-commitment.
