In February 2016, Toshiba Information Equipment ( Philippines ) Inc (TIP) participated in an environmental activity to contribute to preserving one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, the Ifugao Rice Terraces, in the Philippines. This is the fifth time TIP has supported an activity of this nature.

Also known as the “Stairway to Heaven”, the Ifugao Rice terraces are located in the Philippines’ Cordillera mountain range on the northern island of Luzon, and is the only site in the Philippines which shows no evidence of having been influenced by colonial cultures. However, factors such as uncontrolled tourism and the lack of a systematic monitoring programme have since threatened the terraces’ natural landscape and practices of its inhabitants.

Understanding the important of biodiversity conservation and preserving one of the Philippines’ significant landmarks of cultural heritage, 28 staff from TIP worked together with local residents, officials and staff of the local Municipality of Viewpoint in Ifugao to cultivate the soil and rebuild the rice terraces. TIP and its staff also came together to make a monetary gift to five rice terrace owners.

Apart from being a show of Toshiba’s commitment to the Philippines and preserving its natural environment, the environmental activity at the Ifugao Rice Terraces was also a means to promote a spirit of volunteerism and environmental awareness among Toshiba staff.

Through such activities, Toshiba hopes to make a difference in the communities it operates in, and contribute to a cleaner, and greener Earth for everyone.