Quezon City, Philippines – Sourcefit, a global leader in strategic outsourcing and workforce solutions, returned to La Mesa Ecopark on September 24 for the fifth consecutive year of Soilmate, its annual tree planting corporate social responsibility activity held in partnership with the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. Volunteers from across the company planted Philippine native tree saplings along the La Mesa watershed in Quezon City.
Planting for Metro Manila’s water source
This year’s tree planting activity focused on three indigenous species selected by the Million Trees Foundation for their suitability to the La Mesa site: Makupang, Malabulak, and Narra. All three support soil stability, native biodiversity, and long-term watershed rehabilitation.
The native species were chosen for their ecological fit with the La Mesa watershed, supporting the site’s ongoing reforestation and helping protect the primary source of potable water for Metro Manila residents. The selection reflects Sourcefit’s approach to corporate social responsibility programming, where sustainability commitments are tied to measurable environmental outcomes in the communities where the company operates.
The program included a tree growing tutorial led by the Million Trees Foundation team, a message from Sourcefit CEO Andy Schachtel, and a certificate awarding ceremony recognizing each volunteer’s contribution.
In his opening remarks to volunteers, Schachtel acknowledged the role of participants in reinforcing the company’s values beyond the office:
“Thank you all for your contribution to the sustainability of the Manila environment and giving back to the community. You are setting a great example and letting people know what the values of our company are.”
Andy Schachtel,
Founder and CEO
For returning volunteers like Milette Sumawang, the motivation to join Soilmate each year is personal.
“Seeing all of the families affected by flooding makes me feel uneasy. I wish I could be a superhero, and sometimes it feels like one person can’t make a difference. But in a small way, at least by planting a tree, I can contribute to the future. That’s why I keep coming back to our Soilmate activity. Even though one plant can feel small, with many hands we can help grow an entire forest.”
Milette Sumawang,
Senior Product Manager
The Million Trees Foundation, Inc. is the nonprofit partner of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System in its Annual Million Trees Challenge. Since 2017, the Foundation has worked with public and private sector partners to plant millions of trees in critical watersheds nationwide, with a target of 15 million trees by 2030. For Soilmate 2026, the Foundation provided the indigenous saplings, prepared the planting site, and conducted the on-ground safety and tree planting briefing for all volunteers.
Five years of Soilmate
Soilmate began in 2022 as a partnership with the Haribon Foundation at Mt. Batolusong in Tanay, Rizal. In 2023, the program moved to La Mesa Nature Reserve with ABS-CBN Foundation Bantay Kalikasan, and has continued at the La Mesa watershed with the Million Trees Foundation since 2024. The 2026 activity marks the program’s fifth year and its third consecutive year with the Million Trees Foundation.
The annual tree planting activity is one part of Sourcefit’s sustainability and corporate social responsibility program, which spans environmental initiatives, education partnerships, and community development across six countries. Companies building offshore teams through Sourcefit gain a partner whose values extend beyond service delivery. Professionals interested in joining a company where these commitments shape how the organization operates can explore open roles at Sourcefit.
About Sourcefit
Founded in 2009, Sourcefit is an award-winning business process outsourcing company dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes scale efficiently and sustainably. With 2,000+ employees across six countries, Sourcefit offers a full suite of services in staffing, managed services, and AI-powered workforce solutions.
