On a bright early morning of June 22, 2024, the Sierra Madre mountain ranges witnessed another step toward environmental restoration. The Laguna Quezon Land Grant provided the perfect setting, with clear skies and a gentle breeze—a stark contrast to the usual micro weather of the mountains, where strong winds and rains are frequent. Micro weather in mountainous areas like Sierra Madre is influenced by topography, resulting in rapid changes in weather patterns. This variability plays a vital role in shaping ecosystems but also poses challenges to activities like tree planting. Despite this, Cleanway and the Rotary Club of Eisenhower, with their determination and eagerness, successfully planted 360 seedlings of native Philippine trees: 100 Wild Rambutan, 100 Kupang, and 160 Kuling Baboy.
Why Plant Native Philippine Trees?
Native Philippine trees play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Species like Wild Rambutan, Kupang, and Kuling Baboy are endemic, meaning they are uniquely adapted to the country’s climate, soil, and biodiversity. Planting endemic trees ensures the survival of native wildlife that depends on them for food and shelter. Furthermore, these trees are more resilient to pests and diseases, requiring less intervention compared to non-native species.
Endemic trees contribute significantly to the Philippines’ ecosystem. They stabilize soil, reducing erosion, particularly in upland areas. Their deep roots improve water absorption, replenishing groundwater and preventing floods. These trees also act as carbon sinks, mitigating climate change by sequestering greenhouse gases. Planting native trees, therefore, not only restores degraded landscapes but also strengthens the ecosystem’s resilience to natural disasters.
The Ridge to Reef Program: An Integrated Solution
The event’s significance was underscored by a brief but inspiring message from FEED, Inc.’s Anne Marie Bakker. She highlighted the Ridge to Reef program, which aims to restore forest landscapes and reforest with Philippine native trees. This program recognizes the interconnectedness of ecosystems—from mountain ridges to coastal reefs—and implements strategies to protect them holistically.
By planting trees in upland areas, the program reduces flood impacts and stabilizes slopes, preventing landslides and erosion. Enhanced soil stability and water absorption in the mountains benefit downstream communities by minimizing flooding. Complementing this effort, mangrove planting strengthens coastal ecosystems, serving as natural buffers against storm surges. Coral restoration further supports marine biodiversity, ensuring the health of all interconnected ecosystems. Beyond environmental benefits, the program also provides alternative livelihoods for local communities, empowering them to eventually lead conservation initiatives independently.
The Tree Nurturing Program: A Call for Collective Action
FEED, Inc.’s “Tree Nurturing Program” emphasizes the importance of collective action. By working together, communities and organizations amplify their impact on reforestation efforts. Collaboration fosters a sense of shared responsibility, ensuring that everyone contributes to the restoration of degraded landscapes. In the Philippines, where illegal logging has a long and destructive history, collective action is a vital step in reversing decades of environmental damage. Tree nurturing events like this symbolize hope and a fresh start for reforesting denuded areas while discouraging unsustainable practices.
Gratitude for the Eco-Warriors
The success of this event would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of the participants from Cleanway and the Rotary Club of Eisenhower. These eco-warriors demonstrated that with determination and positive energy, meaningful change is achievable. The local community also played a significant role, especially the ladies who prepared a sumptuous lunch, and the Forest Guardians, led by Forester Rey Lorida with the assistance of Ms. Rose Bocado, who ensured the event ran smoothly.
FEED is grateful for these partnerships and looks forward to future collaborations. Together, through efforts like these, we take bold steps toward a greener and more sustainable future for the Philippines.
GPS Coordinates & Photos of Planting Site
Use any GPS (Global Positioning System) software / applications to input the latitude and longitude coordinates to be able to remotely see the location of your trees planted. Some examples include:
- https://www.gps-coordinates.net/
- https://gps-coordinates.org
- https://www.maps.ie/coordinates.htmlhttp://www.mapcoordinates.net/en
Photo Library:
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.
© Fostering Education & Environment for Development, Inc.