In celebration of World Environment Day, Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC) planted more than 5,000 Native and Palawan-endemic trees across a 1-hectare area during its annual Shokuju Day held in June 6, 2026, in Barangay Rio Tuba, Bataraza.
Shokuju is a Japanese word that translates to “tree planting.” This year’s theme, “A Global Call for Climate Action,” underscores the need for urgent action against the continuing effects of climate change.
During the program held prior to the tree-planting activity, CBNC Environmental Quality and Safety Manager Antonio Sanone explained that Shokuju Day is one of the company’s annual activities under its Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program.
“Yearly ginagawa namin ito. Basically, ang Shokuju is a Japanese word meaning ‘tree planting activity.’ Ginagawa namin ito to celebrate the World Environment Day. Maliban dyan, marami pa kaming conservation values na sine-celebrate as part of our annual Environmental Enhancement and Protection Program,” said Sanone during the interview.
In his message, CBNC Plant Manager Yoshiteru Sato emphasized that the activity reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. He noted that tree planting is one of the many ways the company contributes to environmental conservation while helping mitigate the impacts of climate change.
“We are very proud to hold this activity since the start of this long-standing effort of CBNC’s continued commitment to have protection and to walking together with everyone here in this tree planting activity,” said Yoshiteru as he addressed participants during the program.
Meanwhile, Rey Jean Mark Daanoy, a forester and environmental specialist of CBNC, said most of the species planted during the activity are endemic to Palawan.
According to him, the species were selected because of their high survival rate and natural ability to adapt to conditions in an area that are undergoing rehabilitation. Among the trees planted, Marangub (Protium connarifolium), Malamuto (Syzugium purpuriflorum), Malakatmon (Dillenia luzoniensis), and Batino (Alstonia macrophylla) which comprised the largest number, with about 1,150 seedlings.
“Mostly po ng mga tinanim namin dito sa aming Shokuju Day ay native trees and Palawan endemic…which is ‘yung dito lang nakikita sa Palawan. ‘Yon po ang aming binabalik sa site para sila po ang dumami ulit,”
“Ang pinakamarami naming tinanim is Batino [tree] nasa 1,150 tapos Mountain Agoho nasa 450 tapos, Malamuto nasa 400, yung Hauili nasa 400, yung Udling nasa 350 tapos yung Liusin nasa 200 din, yung Malakatmon nasa 700 tapos yung Paringring nasa 300 din po tapos Aripa nasa 300, tapos Sauso nasa 100,” he explained.
“Selected po ang mga halaman natin kumbaga sila po ang na-observe natin na mataas po ‘yung survival rate,” he added.
Daanoy further said that they continuously monitor and maintain the planted seedlings to ensure their survival and growth.
“After ng tree planting, inaalagaan po namin, kinu-cultivate po namin yung tinaniman tapos dinidiligan kapag manit hanggang sa maka-survive po,” he shared.
On the other hand, Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Head Engr. Jeb Badlon said the company conducts several environmental activities throughout the year aside from Shokuju Day.
He explained that these initiatives demonstrate the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible mining practices.
“Hindi lang tree planting ang aming mga activities na ginagawa namin when it comes to the environmental program…we have six celebrations that we do annually and ang major diyan ay ang Shokuju Day. The importance is ‘yung awareness on how we show to everyone na ‘yung operations ng CBNC ay hindi lang about products, how we profit, but also how we give back to the environment,” he said during the interview.
Every year, the team responsible for rehabilitation identifies new areas for tree-planting activities as part of its restoration efforts.
Daanoy said they are currently preparing a 32-hectare unused area that is scheduled for rehabilitation and may serve as the site for the next Shokuju Day.