Michael Wins 2008 Ford Eco Grant

Ford Extends Over P1M to fund Ecogrant Projects
Baker says consideration for the environment remains a top priority for Ford

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Makati City - October 28, 2008. Ford Group Philippines (FGP) extended P1.011 million to four grassroots-initiated environmental projects and one cultural conservation effort under the 2008 Ford Environmental and Conservation Grants program, FGP president Rick Baker disclosed recently.


Now on its ninth run, the Ford EcoGrants program stemmed from Ford’s commitment to the environment and to the community. Beyond channeling funds, Ford has built strong partnerships with individuals and organizations who share the Company’s vision of preserving natural resources, protecting national heritage and tapping the youth as development partners.


The biggest grantee this year is Pine Tree for its project, “Energizing Farm and Households through Bio-fuel Production and Extraction of Petroleum Nut.” Based in the Cordillera region, the project seeks to provide a source of energy for 75 families in Kabayan, Benguet for their lighting, cooking, heating and machine work by using the oil from Petroleum Nut. “Apart from uplifting the community’s economic and social well being, the project also seeks to contribute to the preservation of trees and forests,” explained proponent, Dr. Michael Bengwayan.


Another Ford EcoGrant recipient is the First Philippine Conservation, Inc., for its initiative, “Restoring our Forests as One Nation.” It aims to pilot a sound forest restoration program that addresses both ecological integrity and the well-being of human communities. It will tap scientists, indigenous groups, peoples’ organizations, local government units and the Protected Area Management Board to conserve the Bataan Natural Park.


Other 2008 Ford EcoGrant winners are the Maguindanaon Development Foundation, Inc., which will conserve and preserve the handicrafts of Maguindanaon women for their livelihood, as well as the sources of these handicrafts’ raw materials such as pandan, bamboo, water lily and other plants; the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) proposed by Director Theresa Mundita Lim; and the Save the Iron Wood project of Forrester Joven Tare.


Dr. Teresita R. Perez, chairperson of the Environmental Science Department of the Ateneo de Manila University, Engineer Julian Amador, director of the Energy Utilization and Management Bureau - DENR, and Cherry Ramirez, FGP assistant vice president for corporate affairs served as the 2008 Ford EcoGrants judges.


P20M for 70 Ford EcoGrant projects in nine years
Since 2000, FGP has channeled P20 million to a total of 67 projects through the Ford EcoGrants program. FGP received a total of about 500 entries throughout its nine-year run. The program formed part of Ford’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, making tangible the Company’s commitment to help address social and environmental issues.


“I have fond memories of the various projects we’ve supported through the years. I remember our company hosting the first Biofuels Caravan in February 2007 where a motorcade of several vehicles--all running on bio-fuels--travelled across the country, showing the potentials of this alternative fuel in the Philippines. I also participated in my first Philippine tree-planting activity in Rizal Park which was joined by Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim, then Clean and Green Foundation, Inc. chair Former First Lady Amelita Ramos, and some 100 Ford employee volunteers in September 2007. I have also met some amazing people along the way like Dr. Menandro Acda of UP Los Banos who is the epitome of Filipino ingenuity with his project that made use of chicken feathers for pre-fabricated construction materials,” Baker said.


But based on the global direction and after deliberation with FGP’s board of directors and management team, Baker announced that this is the last year of the Ford EcoGrants. “We have decided to focus our CSR efforts on road safety, an advocacy that is closer to our core business,” explained Baker.


“Rest assured that consideration for the environment continues to be a top priority in our business. In fact, it has transformed the way we do business, and will always be an integral part of Ford as a company. We believe that our approach to sustainability will be one of the most important factors in both our short-term financial recovery and our long-term success,” Baker added.

Ford Group Philippines president Rick Baker (second, from left) holds the symbolic certificate representing the P1.011-million funding assistance Ford extended to five projects under the Ford Conservation and Environment Grants program. These projects are represented by (from left) Dausay Daulog of the Maguindanaon Development Foundation, Inc., Director Theresa Mundita Lim of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau-DENR Atty. Juan Quicho, Jr. of the First Philippine Conservation, Inc., and Dr. Michael Bengyawan of the Pine Tree - Cordillera Center for Ecological Education, Training, Research and Information. Forester Joven Tare of the Save the Iron Wood project failed to attend the formal EcoGrant awarding rites.