One weekend, I found myself standing in the mud of Real, Quezon—mangrove sapling in hand, sun on my back, and gratitude in my heart. The scene wasn’t typical of a tech columnist’s beat, but it might be one of the most meaningful fieldworks I’ve done this year. The occasion? The launch of Manulife Philippines and Haribon Foundation’s expanded mangrove restoration program, now aiming to plant 15,000mangrove trees in Quezon Province over the next three years. Part of Haribon’s larger Forests for Life movement, this partnership is grounded in ecosystem conservation, and its ripple effects go far beyond reforestation.

Manahan, M. (2025, September 6). Mangroves, livelihoods, and purpose. Manila Bulletin, p. B-5.