Security Bank puts sustainability into action in its 75th year

Insider Spotlight

• Security Bank marked its 75th anniversary by advancing Project MITHI, its coastal conservation and community resilience initiative
• Volunteers planted nearly 500 mangrove seedlings in Luna, La Union, supporting the bank’s target of 7,500 seedlings this year
• The program combines mangrove rehabilitation with environmental education and financial literacy to strengthen coastal communities
  
  
  
  

Security Bank is putting sustainability into action as it celebrates its 75th anniversary, expanding efforts that link environmental conservation with community resilience.

The bank marked the second year of Project MITHI with a coastal conservation and community engagement activity in Barangay Bungro, Luna, La Union. Employees joined local communities, government agencies and youth volunteers in planting nearly 500 mangrove seedlings.

Why it matters

The activity contributes to Security Bank’s target of planting 7,500 mangrove seedlings this year while extending the program beyond environmental rehabilitation.

Children participated in environmental education sessions, while adult community members attended financial literacy workshops, reflecting Project MITHI’s approach of combining ecosystem protection with practical support for communities.

“Project MITHI is about creating impact that lasts beyond a single activity,” Security Bank sustainability head Nikki Lizares said in a statement. “As we celebrate our 75th year, we want to contribute to communities in ways that strengthen both people and the environment. Restoring mangroves, building environmental awareness, and sharing practical financial knowledge are all part of helping communities become more resilient over time.”

The local view

Luna Mayor Gary Pinzon highlighted mangrove rehabilitation’s role in environmental protection and climate resilience while thanking volunteers and partner organizations for supporting the initiative.

“Every mangrove seedling we plant today restores hope, resilience, and a collective commitment to preserving our environment.” Luna Mayor Gary Pinzon said.

Project MITHI is a partnership among Security Bank, Oceanus Conservation and Communities for Nature. It supports mangrove rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation, environmental education and inclusive community development in Philippine coastal communities.

The long game

Sustaining mangrove rehabilitation requires continued participation from communities that help monitor and care for seedlings after planting.

"Mangrove rehabilitation is a long-term investment in both nature and communities," Oceanus Conservation Project MITHI project lead Angela Mariz Obsina said. 

"Local residents help monitor and care for the seedlings because they understand the protection healthy mangroves can provide against the impacts of climate change. When nature thrives, communities become more resilient. By protecting our ecosystems, we are also protecting ourselves."

Now in its second year, Project MITHI anchors Security Bank’s sustainability push in on-the-ground conservation and community development as the lender enters its next chapter. —Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma