APD | Business tycoon’s scion vows to pursue his late father’s sustainable environmental project

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

**MANILA, Nov, 23 (APD) – **Twenty-seven year-old Lucio Tan III, grandson of Chinese-Filipino tycoon Lucio Tan, vowed to pursue his late father’s project of planting 12 million trees supported by leading global insurer Allianz.

Tan launched the “Green Canopy Project,” a reforestation undertaking thought of by the late Lucio “Bong” Tan, Jr. under Two Degrees, Inc., during a ceremonial tree planting activity in partnership with Allianz at the LT Group’s Absolut Distillers’ property in Lian, Batangas. The younger Tan replaced his father as president of Two Degrees, Inc.

An outstanding Computer Engineering graduate from Stanford University, the young business executive said the project will involve reforestation of the Sierra Madre mountain range in Cagayan region in northern Philippines.

“As of today, 500,000 trees have been planted in the area, which covers part of a total of 24,000 hectares of land. Aside from reforestation, my father had also hoped to provide employment to local communities. Rest Assured, I intend to continue my father’s green advocacy and other efforts that promote sustainability,” he said. He added he adheres to impact investing as environmental consciousness should be adopted in every level of business to secure stability.

Lucio C. Tan III, president of Two Degrees, Inc. (second from left) and Allianz PNB Life President and CEO Alexander Grenz, shake hands during the ceremonial tree planting. On extreme left is Mrs. Julie C. Tan, wife of the late Lucio "Bong" Tan, Jr. and Gerry Tee on extreme right, CEO of Two Degrees, Inc. (Eggshell Photo)

“It’s the only way to go if we want a future for this planet,” he added. He expressed optimism his first project will gain support within the Group. He expressed his appreciation to companies under the LT Group as the first entities to support the Green Canopy project.

“I am confident that we are in good company knowing that Allianz is not only a leading global insurer, but a worldwide leader in sustainability,” the young business executive added.

Lucio Tan III finished his M. S. in Computer Engineering from the same university where he graduated with honors. He used to work as software engineer in Lyft Inc., a ridesharing company in the United States and Canada prior to his return to Manila.

It will be recalled Allianz has been hailed as the Most Sustainable Insurer by Dow Jones Sustainability Index for three successive years due to various environmental initiatives worldwide.

“Allianz has taken sustainability very seriously for many years now, even before it has become a buzzword today. In fact it is part of our DNA to protect natural resources, to contribute to low-carbon economy, and to involve ourselves in projects of environment, social inclusion, and proper business governance,” said Allianz PNB Life President and CEO Alexander Grenz.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)