Peugeot PH is a ‘protector of the environment’

Gov. Jose Ch. Alvarez of Palawan, also the head of Peugeot’s Philippine operations (left), and French Ambassador to the Philippines Nicolas Galey during the Protectors of the Environment launch program.

A NEW initiative called “Protectors of the Environment” (POE) was announced Monday night by Peugeot Philippines at the Makati residence of the French ambassador to the Philippines.

According to Peugeot, the POE program is designed to involve the brand’s customers and their children in a “movement to combat climate change.” The program is the first major undertaking of Peugeot Philippines in corporate philanthropy.

“Part of being a successful mobility company is making sure that sustainability is part of our policy,” POE program director Ricardo Magsajo explained. “With POE, we are taking a vital step forward in this direction.”

Under the program, all new owners of Peugeot will be given the option to join the cause by volunteering in tree-planting activities in various locations, including private parks of selected communities, public lands reclaimed by the city governments in Metro Manila, and a one-hectare space in the Angat Dam Reserve and Eco Park adopted and maintained by Peugeot Philippines.

The company said educational nature tours and seminars will also be held in partnership with select government and non-profit organizations. Customers can also choose to participate in various international fora on climate change to enhance their understanding of the crisis on a global scale.

Aiding Peugeot Philippines’ efforts in these activities are the French Embassy, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Briquettors Association of the Philippines.

Andi Manzano-Reyes and daughter Olivia with their seedling.

The POE’s launch event introduced the first Protectors of the Environment, Olivia and Amelia Manzano Reyes, daughters of video blogger and radio DJ Andi Manzano-Reyes and businessman GP Reyes. Fruit-bearing trees were dedicated to both Olivia and Amelia during the pilot run of the program held at the EVS Village Space in Parañaque City.

Peugeot said the launch of its green initiative is just a part of the brand’s global and long-term sustainability strategy. The carmaker noted the advent of electrification and autonomous driving means Peugeot needs to evolve as well.

“We at Peugeot envision ourselves to be at the forefront of the electrification and autonomous driving movement. The e-Legend concept signifies our constant research into developing new ways to make mobility more efficient and environmentally conscious,” Magsajo said.