Caring for the planet is a significant part of how we operate at Aboitiz Foods. Through our subsidiaries, Pilmico and Gold Coin, we continue to advance environmental stewardship by embedding community-focused sustainability initiatives to protect and restore our ecosystems. Guided by our core value of responsibility, these efforts reflect our belief that nourishing the future begins with a healthier planet. 

China: Restoring Nature at the Workplace with Project ROOTS

In China, Gold Coin Yunnan brought this commitment to life through Project ROOTS: Restoring Our Oceans, Trees, and Shores—Aboitiz Foods’ flagship environmental initiative. Implemented last October, the project aims to address critical environmental issues, including coastal erosion, marine pollution, and deforestation. 

Led by General Manager Liu Wenyu and organized by Human Resources & Admin Manager Hu Zelin, the project was executed entirely by dedicated Aboitiz Foods employees in Yunnan, making it a true demonstration of shared responsibility and teamwork. Over several days, employees revitalized lawn areas, restored flower beds, and planted 110 multi-colored roses selected for their suitability to the local climate. Within days, the plants flourished—creating a visible reminder of what collective action and shared responsibility can achieve.

Hu Zelin, Human Resources & Admin Manager, shared, “This greening project has made the factory area much more beautiful, and seeing these flowers and plants while working makes me feel more relaxed and pleasant.”

Beyond aesthetics, the project supports key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) for employees, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) by integrating green practices into industrial operations, and Life on Land (SDG 15) by enhancing local biodiversity. With a long-term maintenance plan in place, Project ROOTS ensures that this greener, healthier, and more pleasant work environment will continue to thrive for years to come.

Philippines: Planting Livelihood in Tarlac with “okTREEber Fest”

In the Philippines, Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation spearheaded the annual okTREEber Fest, an annual tree-planting initiative focused on long-term environmental sustainability. This initiative, rooted in giving back to nature, emphasizes the promotion of sustainability and collective environmental responsibility.

In collaboration with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Capas under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Philippine Army, more than 20 volunteers planted 203 Narra seedlings in Sitio Baag, San Jose, Tarlac. Narra, a native and durable tree species, symbolizes Aboitiz Foods’ enduring commitment to reforestation efforts.

“We are not just planting trees, but we are planting hope and livelihood for the future,” says Christopher John De Villa, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, People Experience – Business Partner. Sharing that every seedling represents an investment not only in environmental health but also in the long-term resilience and prosperity of the local Tarlac community.

Across regions, Aboitiz Foods’ environmental initiatives reflect a holistic approach to sustainability—one that connects workplace practices with community partnerships. Through Project ROOTS and OkTREEberfest, we continue to align our growth with the well-being of people, communities, and the planet, ensuring that progress today supports a more sustainable tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the key takeaway for businesses and communities?
Meaningful environmental progress is built on consistent, collective action. Whether planting roses in a factory compound or Narra trees on a mountainside, each effort creates ripple effects for biodiversity, community livelihoods, and employee well-being. Aboitiz Foods’ approach illustrates that sustainable business means caring for the places and people connected to your operations.

What is this article about and what is its key message?
This article covers two of Aboitiz Foods’ environmental stewardship initiatives: Project ROOTS in China and okTREEber Fest in the Philippines. Together, they demonstrate the company’s commitment – guided by its core value of responsibility – to protecting and restoring ecosystems both at the workplace and in surrounding communities. The key takeaway is that environmental care is embedded into how Aboitiz Foods operates across the region.

What is Project ROOTS and what did it achieve in China?
Project ROOTS, short for Restoring Our Oceans, Trees, and Shores, is Aboitiz Foods’ flagship environmental initiative. In China, Gold Coin Yunnan employees revitalized lawn areas, restored flower beds, and planted 110 multi-colored roses at their facility. The project supports SDGs related to employee well-being, green industrial practices, and local biodiversity, and includes a long-term maintenance plan to sustain the results.

What is okTREEber Fest and where was it held?
okTREEber Fest is an annual tree-planting initiative led by Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation in the Philippines. Held in Tarlac, more than 20 volunteers planted 203 Narra seedlings in Sitio Baag, San Jose, in collaboration with the DENR’s CENRO Capas and the Philippine Army. Narra, a native and durable species, was chosen to symbolize the company’s long-term commitment to reforestation and community resilience.

How do these initiatives reflect Aboitiz Foods’ approach to sustainability?
Both initiatives reflect a holistic approach that connects workplace practices with community action. Rather than treating environmental responsibility as a compliance exercise, Aboitiz Foods embeds it into how teams work together – from greening industrial sites to investing in forest restoration. This approach aligns growth with long-term environmental and community well-being.