Popular Group volunteers plant 5,000 trees in San José de las Matas

Santiago, DR.- A total of 180 volunteer collaborators from Grupo Popular joined forces with environmental organization Plan Sierra for a large-scale reforestation effort in the Bohío Viejo community of Los Montones Abajo, San José de las Matas. During the day, volunteers planted 5,000 native and endemic trees across an area of approximately 7.8 acres, contributing to the restoration of the Inoa micro­watershed within the larger Bao River subwatershed.

The species planted included pino macho, pino amarillo, pino criollo, pino de oro, Juan Primero, mara, caoba criolla, and roble. These varieties are specifically selected to support forest regeneration, promote biodiversity, and protect the region’s water resources. In keeping with Grupo Popular’s commitment to sustainability, students from the Excelencia Popular scholarship program at Banco Popular Dominicano, along with strategic allies, assisted volunteers in the planting activities.

At the opening ceremony, Grupo Popular’s Chief Executive Officer, René Grullón Finet, remarked, “By planting these trees, we are sowing hope, life, and commitment. Each tree we place in the ground today reminds us that change begins with small actions, with hands ready to work, and with hearts aware of the impact we can make.”

Also in attendance were José Mármol, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Reputation, and Responsible Banking; Mariel Bera, Vice President of Corporate Relations and Responsible Banking; Ricardo de la Rocha, Vice President of Corporate and Business Affairs for the Northern Region; and Dinorah Grullón, Project Division Manager, all of whom supported volunteers and partners throughout the initiative.

Representing Plan Sierra were Executive Vice President Inmaculada Adames; Director of Ecological and Social Planning William Guzmán; and subwatershed coordinators Loranny Santos (Ámina) and José Miguel Rivas (Inoa). José Óscar Rodríguez attended on behalf of landowner Sucesión Morales, whose property hosted the reforestation event. Their participation underscored the collaborative spirit that brought together private, nonprofit, and community stakeholders for this environmental cause.

As part of Grupo Popular’s sustainability model—aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—these newly planted trees are projected to capture 1,600 tons of carbon dioxide annually once mature, retain 15 million liters of water each year, and store 600,000 kilograms of soil. For over two decades, Grupo Popular’s annual tree­planting campaigns have demonstrated that economic growth and environmental conservation can—and must—go hand in hand, fostering a greener, more resilient Dominican Republic for future generations.