On the bright morning of April 21, 2024, despite the usual unpredictable micro weather in the Sierra Madre, Business Support Outsourcing, Inc. (BSO, Inc.) held a tree planting event. The typical weather in the mountains, characterized by sudden rains and strong winds, offers a unique challenge to any outdoor activity. Micro weather, or localized weather patterns in mountain regions, can shift quickly due to the varied topography. These patterns are influenced by elevation, wind flow, and surrounding vegetation, often leading to rainstorms or gusty winds that can occur in one area while the adjacent region remains calm and dry. Despite these conditions, the determination of the participants shone through as they planted 480 seedlings of native Philippine trees, including 80 Kalumpit, 200 Wild Rambutan, and 200 Marang. This initiative wasn’t just a one-time effort but a long-term commitment to help restore the forests of Sierra Madre and contribute to the health of the environment.

Planting native trees is critical to the restoration of the Philippine ecosystem. Endemic trees like Kalumpit, Wild Rambutan, and Marang are specifically adapted to local conditions, making them more resilient to the challenges posed by the environment. These trees provide essential habitats for wildlife, fostering biodiversity and restoring balance to the ecosystem. Moreover, they enhance soil stability, reduce the risk of landslides, and improve water absorption, which mitigates flooding, particularly in coastal and lowland areas. Planting native trees also ensures the preservation of unique species that cannot be found elsewhere, preventing the further loss of biodiversity due to deforestation or illegal logging. Unlike fast-growing exotic species, native trees create long-term ecological benefits, nurturing not only the forest but the overall health of the country’s environment.

The event officially began with an energizing morning exercise led by FEED, Inc.’s Diane Penales, who ensured that participants were prepared and motivated for the tree planting ahead. This was followed by an inspiring message from Forester Rey Lorida, who emphasized the interconnected relationship between human activity and nature. His message highlighted how, through collective action, we can help nature recover and heal, benefiting both people and ecosystems. The recovery of Mother Nature is not just a one-sided effort, he explained; when we work to restore and protect our natural environment, nature in turn provides us with cleaner air, stable ecosystems, and protection from natural disasters. This mutual relationship underscores the importance of activities like tree planting, which not only restore forests but also create lasting impacts on communities and future generations.

Ms. Penales then discussed the Ridge to Reef program, focusing on forest landscape restoration and the importance of reforesting upland areas with native trees. By restoring forest cover in the uplands, the soil becomes more stable and water absorption improves, leading to reduced flooding downstream in coastal areas and lowlands. Planting mangroves along coastlines complements this effort, supporting the integrity of coastal ecosystems by protecting against storm surges and erosion. The comprehensive Ridge to Reef approach connects the dots between forest restoration and the health of marine environments, emphasizing how reforestation upland impacts ecosystems all the way to the reefs. The program also supports local communities by providing alternative livelihoods through sustainable forest management practices, gradually empowering them to become independent facilitators of these events.

Collective action is the driving force behind initiatives like BSO, Inc.’s tree planting. When individuals and organizations come together for a common cause, the impact is far greater than what one could achieve alone. This event exemplifies how working together not only speeds up environmental restoration efforts but also fosters a deeper sense of responsibility within communities. Protecting forests and natural landscapes is a shared task that requires participation from different sectors—corporations, volunteers, forest guards, and local communities. Only by uniting our efforts can we truly reverse the damaging effects of deforestation and climate change.

Unfortunately, the Philippines has a long and troubling history with illegal logging, which has significantly contributed to the degradation of forest lands. Addressing this problem requires more than just replanting trees; it involves restarting sustainable forest management practices and enforcing stricter regulations to prevent further illegal activities. The reforestation efforts led by companies like BSO, Inc. are an important first step toward recovering what was lost. However, to protect these forests for future generations, continuous vigilance and collective action must be applied to combat illegal logging and promote reforestation.

The eco-warriors of BSO, Inc. deserve immense appreciation for their determination to make a tangible effort for Mother Nature. Their willingness to brave the unpredictable mountain weather and plant native trees demonstrates their commitment to the environment. Special thanks go to the local community, particularly the ladies who prepared a sumptuous lunch for the participants, providing a well-deserved reward after a hard morning of work. Acknowledgment is also due to the dedicated forest guardians, including Forester Rey Lorida, who shared his wisdom, and Ms. Rose Bocado, who assisted in making this event a success. Their contributions highlight the power of collaboration in making a real difference in reforesting and restoring the Sierra Madre’s natural beauty.

What can I do to stop climate change?

Ways to Conserve Freshwater

“As the world warms, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, sea levels are rising, prolonged droughts are putting pressure on food crops, and many animal and plant species are being driven to extinction. It’s hard to imagine what we as individuals can do to resolve a problem of this scale and severity.

The good news: We are not alone. People, communities, cities, businesses, schools, faith groups and other organizations are taking action. We’re fighting like our lives depend on it — because they do.

In a world of more than seven billion people, each of us is a drop in the bucket. But with enough drops, we can fill any bucket.” –  David Suzuki

Check out some of the ways you can take more climate change action.

For example, Climate Action groups are the local solution to a global crisis. Right now people just like you are coming together to develop practical, local solutions and make their towns and cities more climate-friendly. Are you ready to join them? Find out what’s happening near you.

More here: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate-change/what-can-I-do-to-stop-climate-change

Contact FEED

In 2015, the Philippine government submitted to the United Nations the country’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The country committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030. The carbon dioxide reductions will come from the sectors of energy, transport, waste, forestry and industry.  Join us!  Help us reverse the Earth’s “hothouse climate” tipping point.

Tree-Planting with FEED

Contact us at FEED for more details, to join our regular activities or to design your own tree-nurturing event: info@feed.org.ph or call/text +63 (0)917 552 4722.

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