Last April 19, 2024, it was a bright early morning as the dry season began in the Philippines. There’s nothing quite like a summer day at the Laguna Quezon Land Grant, where the weather was fine, with a gentle breeze and clear skies. This was a stark contrast to the usual micro weather in the Sierra Madre mountains, known for its unpredictable conditions—often marked by sudden rains and strong winds. Microclimates in mountainous regions can vary dramatically within short distances, affecting temperature, humidity, and wind patterns, which is why activities like tree planting can be challenging yet rewarding.
This significant event took place in the Sierra Madre mountain ranges and was made possible by the dedicated participants and volunteers of Concentrix. With determination and a shared eagerness to help Mother Nature, these eco-warriors successfully planted 2,500 seedlings of native Philippine trees. These included 300 Malalansones, 465 Kalumpit, 200 Malaruhat, 100 Pianga, 100 Katmon, 200 Lawaan, 385 Wild Rambutan, 580 Marang, and 200 Rambutan.
The Importance of Native Philippine Trees
Planting native Philippine trees is crucial for restoring and preserving our ecosystems. Endemic trees are naturally adapted to the local environment, making them more resilient and better suited to support the surrounding wildlife. These trees play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity, providing habitat and food sources for a variety of species. Unlike non-native species, native trees contribute to the ecological balance by supporting local pollinators, maintaining soil fertility, and ensuring the health of the watershed. Their deep root systems prevent soil erosion, while their canopies offer shade, helping to regulate the local climate. By focusing on endemic species, we are not only preserving our natural heritage but also ensuring the long-term sustainability of our forests.
Native Philippine trees play a crucial role in maintaining the country’s rich biodiversity and ecological balance. These trees are uniquely adapted to the local environment, thriving in the specific soil, climate, and weather conditions found in the Philippines. By planting native species, we support the survival of local wildlife, as these trees provide essential habitats and food sources for various animals, insects, and birds. Unlike exotic species, which can sometimes become invasive and disrupt local ecosystems, native trees harmonize with the environment, preserving the natural order. Additionally, these trees contribute to soil health by preventing erosion with their deep root systems and enriching the soil with organic matter. The preservation and propagation of native trees are vital not just for the environment, but also for protecting the cultural heritage of the Philippines, as many of these species have been intertwined with Filipino traditions and practices for centuries.
Moreover, native trees are essential in the fight against climate change. They are more resilient to local environmental stresses, such as droughts and storms, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. These trees also play a significant role in carbon sequestration, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping to reduce the overall greenhouse gas levels that contribute to global warming. By focusing on the restoration of native forests, we ensure the sustainability of water resources, as these trees help regulate the water cycle by capturing and storing rainwater, which then replenishes groundwater reserves. This is particularly important in the Philippines, where water security is a growing concern. Ultimately, planting native trees is a strategic investment in the long-term health and resilience of both the natural environment and the communities that depend on it.
Before the group began their trek, a morning exercise session led by Diane Penales from FEED, Inc., helped prepare the participants for the day’s activities. The program officially kicked off with a brief message from Anne Marie Bakker of FEED, Inc., who emphasized the importance of the Ridge to Reef program. This initiative focuses on forest landscape restoration and reforestation using native Philippine trees to reduce flood impacts and stabilize slopes. Proper restoration of upland areas enhances soil stability and water absorption, significantly reducing flooding in coastal and lowland areas. The program also includes planting mangroves and corals, supporting the integrity of coastal ecosystems. This comprehensive strategy ensures that all interconnected environments, from the ridges to the reefs, are maintained, fostering the health of both natural ecosystems and human communities. Moreover, the program offers alternative livelihoods to the local community, eventually empowering them to become independent facilitators of such events.
The Tree Nurturing Program and the Importance of the Sierra Madre Mountains
The Sierra Madre Mountains, often called the “backbone” of Luzon, play a vital role in protecting the Philippines from the devastating impacts of typhoons. This vast mountain range, stretching over 500 kilometers, acts as a natural barrier, weakening storms before they reach densely populated areas, thereby reducing potential damage and loss of life. Beyond disaster mitigation, the Sierra Madre is a biodiversity hotspot, home to many endemic species of plants and animals that rely on its forests for survival. These forests also regulate water supply, stabilize soil, and prevent landslides, offering critical ecosystem services that support millions of people in nearby provinces. As climate change intensifies, preserving the Sierra Madre’s forests becomes even more crucial, as they help offset carbon emissions by sequestering large amounts of carbon dioxide.
In the Ridge to Reef program, the health of the Sierra Madre is integral to a holistic approach to environmental conservation. The forests’ ability to absorb water and stabilize slopes reduces the risk of flooding in downstream areas, protecting agricultural lands and ensuring the sustainability of water resources. The interconnectedness of these ecosystems highlights the importance of maintaining the Sierra Madre not just as a natural barrier, but as a key element in the broader effort to mitigate climate change and support the livelihoods of communities that depend on these forests. Protecting and nurturing the Sierra Madre is essential for the continued well-being of both natural ecosystems and human communities across the region.
A big thank you to the eco-warriors from Concentrix for once again demonstrating their dedication and positive energy, making this event a resounding success for the environment. Special thanks to the local community, especially the ladies who prepared a sumptuous lunch for the event. We also extend our gratitude to the Forest Guardians from the local community, led by Forester Rey Lorida, and to Ms. Rose Bocado, who facilitated the event. FEED, Inc. would also like to acknowledge the entire team and send warm birthday greetings to Ms. Joy, who celebrated her special day with the tribe and Mother Nature! FEED, Inc. looks forward to more meaningful partnerships like this one!
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About Concentrix
Better Together – We create game-changing customer journeys that help brands grow, across the world and into the future.
As a global business who touches countless lives each day, we have a responsibility to enrich the lives of our staff and support the health of our planet, and it’s a responsibility we take seriously.
The way we see it, we have an incredible opportunity to use our scale as a force for good. The power of ONE translates to world-sized impacts across our entire family of 320K+ staff, clients, suppliers, and partners.
For more details, visit: www.concentrix.com/
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.
FEED runs a number of Students and Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE); Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – such as mangrove planting for coastal protection or ridge reforestation plantings; One Child, One Tree; Bio-Intensive Gardens (BIG) for nutrition in public elementary schools and other spaces; Climate Change Survival 101 and other LIVING LEGACY programs – customised environmental engagement activities for individuals and organisations interested in contributing to climate change adaptation efforts and greening critical areas such as watersheds, ridges, and reefs that all require rehabilitation.
Join us! Help us reverse the Earth’s “hothouse climate” tipping point.
Tree-Planting with FEED
Check out the video journey by Clueless Commuter who planted with us last 24th of June 2017 to get a good idea of how FEED plantings go: https://youtu.be/KROn4rjVqBg
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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