CBS China Bank Savings switches gears and makes a move towards being a more proactive participant in the Philippine sustainability agenda. The Bank kicks off the second half of 2023 with the CBS Employee Engagement Program, a weeklong activity to promote the Bank’s sustainability initiatives. CBS President James Christian T. Dee is an avid diver, rower, and nature enthusiast—and this serves as the inspiration for the event theme’s shift toward sustainability.

The event is highlighted by Project heART, an art exhibit and auction to support the Bank’s conservation efforts for the La Mesa Watershed and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. A curation of art pieces by employees will be on display at the CBS Head Office Lobby from July 17-21, 2023. The exhibit offers a selection of colorful and carefully-crafted items including paintings and photographs.

A significant highlight of the exhibit are pieces from Noel Guevara’s latest wildlife fine art collection entitled “Sanctuary”, which features photographs of endangered marine turtles—the Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles.

Guevara is an award-winning National Geographic Explorer, filmmaker, and conservation photographer. He has worked on various initiatives that center on climate change issues and ocean conservation. His extensive experience boasts of collaborations with international conservation groups and noteworthy contributions to various successful campaigns and efforts.

CBS is also pledging to assist in the restoration of watersheds, especially in communities where the bank provides services.

CBS said bank employees will mobilize on July 15 to plant 750 tree saplings in La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City as an initial commitment to nationwide forest conservation and restoration, in order to mitigate the impact of extreme weather brought by climate change. The project is being coordinated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“CBS is no stranger to the effects of increasingly severe weather events, which have damaged branches and the property and businesses of CBS customers over the past 15 years of operations,” CBS President James Christian T. Dee said.

“We can expect more powerful typhoons and intense dry spells,” Mr. Dee said. “We need to protect sites like the La Mesa Watershed and Ipo and Angat farther up, which protect our communities from flood, landslide, and violent winds, source water and generate power for homes, farms, and businesses.”

CBS China Bank Savings is the retail lending arm of China Banking Corporation. With 162 branches nationwide, CBS is committed to promoting financial inclusion, supporting the strategic SME sector, and uplifting the quality of life in the communities the Bank serves.

*Photo of the sea turtle is from the CBS China Bank Savings Facebook page.