First ever GCash Eco Run gathers 12,000 Eco Runners and sustainability partners to take collective action for mangrove reforestation in the Negros region
Philippines – 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.
A 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.
