The time, effort, and dedication needed to
train for a race or marathon make crossing the finish line so rewarding for
many runners. In the same way, creating a greener, more sustainable future
requires the same level of collective commitment.
More than just a race, the first-ever GCash
Eco Run turned the streets of Ayala Avenue, Makati, into an eco-movement. Over
12,000 eco-runners laced up their shoes—not just to set personal records but to
make a lasting impact on the environment. With the support of its event
sponsors and sustainability partners, this milestone initiative has already
planted 76,000 trees across 11 hectares in the Negros region.
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| GCash Eco Run’s interactive booths by advocacy and sustainability partners, promoting sustainable practices and adopting an eco-conscious lifestyle |
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Race That Goes Beyond the Finish Line
In support of the South Negros
Reforestation Initiative, a long-standing partnership between Silliman
University and GCash, each sign-up to the GCash Eco Run contributed to the
planting of a grey stilted mangrove tree in Negros Occidental. GCash doubled
their commitment by pledging an additional tree for every participant. This
means that the runners alone contributed 24,000 new trees.
Grey
stilted mangroves play a vital role in environmental conservation as they
mitigate the impacts of extreme weather and sequester carbon while providing
habitats for marine life. As a result, mangrove forests are some of the most
effective natural ecosystems for carbon storage today, making them a crucial
asset in the fight against climate change.
In line with its commitment to using tech for
good, the GCash Eco Run served as a platform to raise awareness on sustainable
living, bringing together partner organizations and eco-conscious brands to
share their advocacies and inspire collective action.
Organizations championing various
sustainability advocacies joined, such as Berdeng Kalaw, which collects paper
and metal for recycling; Caritas Manila, which turns clothing donations into
funds for scholars; Zolo, which resells and recycles e-waste; and Aling
Tindera, which gathers plastic waste for recycling.
Attendees also explored products from the
partner eco-merchants such as Cut the Craft, Bukid ni Bogs, Wonderhome
Naturals, Eco Shift, and Commune. They also got their GCash VISA cards from
100% recycled plastic.
GCash makes it easy for partners to drive
positive change by bridging them to Silliman University, turning commitments
into real action. With the support of 8 companies working together for a
greener future, a total of 52,000 trees will be planted in Negros on top of the
24,000 trees from the eco runners.
Continue
Taking Steps for the Environment with GForest
GCash continues to make sustainable living
easier and more accessible for every Filipino. Through GForest, every transaction
on the GCash app, such as cashing in, sending money, paying bills, buying load,
or even taking 20,000 steps a day, earns green energy points, which users can
redeem to plant virtual trees and contribute to a greener future.
Together with various partner
organizations, GCash transforms these into actual trees, planted in key areas
around the country, demonstrating how GForest serves as a Tech for Good
platform.
“Much like how GForest turns virtual trees
into actual ones, the GCash Eco Run brings together our community of Green
Heroes, driven by a shared purpose to create real-world impact—one step, one
tree, and one action at a time," said CJ Alegre, GCash Head of
Sustainability.
The biggest digital eco-movement is now
even bigger. Every step, every action, and every tree planted brings us closer
to a greener future. Be a green hero today and sign up by tapping GForest on
your GCash app dashboard.
The GCash Eco Run is supported by corporate
partners who also pledged trees, such as IKEA Philippines, Globe AT HOME, Pay
& Go, and eTap Solutions. This effort strengthens Silliman University
mangrove reforestation efforts.
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