HMPH, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, and Good Neighbors International Philippines unite for reforestation and community empowerment

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. isn't just selling cars, it’s also pushing for a greener and healthier environment. The Korean automaker's local arm is putting serious resources behind a new environmental project in Lian, Batangas, signing a formal partnership agreement with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) and Good Neighbors International Philippines to kick off the Laguluan Tree Park: IONIQ Forest Project.

The ceremonial signing brought together HMPH President Jiho Son, RAFI President and CEO Amaya Cristina Fansler, and Good Neighbors International Philippines Country Director Dong Chul Park. The project sits under RAFI's One to Tree program and targets long-term forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, and community development in the area.

On the ground, the initiative plans to produce, plant, and maintain 3,000 native timber seedlings across the site. Alongside the reforestation work, the partners are developing a tree park complete with facilities geared toward ecotourism and environmental education. The idea is to give locals and visitors a space to engage with the environment, learn about native biodiversity, and support conservation in a hands-on way.

The project is expected to reach over 4,000 residents of Barangay Prenza. But beyond planting trees, the initiative has a livelihood component as well. Thirty-five partner farmers are set to benefit from the program, with the Altura Spring Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc. receiving capacity-building support to promote sustainable land management in the long run.

Government backing is also in place. The Provincial Local Government Unit of Batangas through its Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office, along with the Municipal Local Government Unit of Lian through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, are both supporting the project.

For HMPH, the IONIQ Forest Project is part of a broader push to position the brand as more than just a car company in the Philippine market, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and community engagement as part of its identity here.