As an expression of ABS-CBN's genuine regard for social responsibility and community service, the ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. (AFI) was organized in 1989. Being ABS-CBN's socio-civic arm, AFI's initial mandate was to generate welfare funds by broadcasting the plight of those in need of assistance and ensure that all forms of help solicited were properly allocated and utilized. Eventually, AFI restructured itself and geared up for a more determined, all-around developmental approach as it aims to provide a better quality of life for all Filipinos in general and every Filipino child in particular. All development programs for the grassroots carry a significant slant designed to directly benefit children. At present, AFI has four flagship programs - E-media, Bantay Bata, Bantay Kalikasan, and Sagip Kapamilya.

     Bantay Kalikasan (Nature Watch), AFI's environmental arm, started on July 21, 1998. It is a media-based project supported by a multi-sector network of government agencies, private institutions, and non-government organizations. It was launched to serve as a catalyst in addressing the concern over the worsening state of the Philippine environment characterized by air and water pollution, denudation of forests, irresponsible waste disposal and their life-threatening effects.

     To date, Bantay Kalikasan has six projects: Save the La Mesa Watershed Project which consists of the La Mesa Eco-Park and La Mesa Nature Reserve, BK Environmental Hotline, Bantay Baterya, Bantay Langis, and H2Hope.


Goals/Objectives

     Bantay Kalikasan committed itself to undertake and catalyze initiatives by maximizing media resources to help ensure an actively protected, adequately rehabilitated, and sustainably developed environment. Its current objectives are as follows:
- Develop and implement strategic environmental projects;
- Raise public consciousness on environmental issues and concerns;
- Provide a venue for publicizing and addressing environmental issues, problems and similar concerns; and
- Urge the effective enforcement of relevant environmental policies and laws.