On January 20, 2024, despite the unusually cold morning in the Sierra Madre, individual eco-warriors from the SAVE (Student and Volunteer for the Environment) program gathered to make their mark. Known for its strong winds and heavy rainfall, the micro weather in the mountains posed a challenge, but the volunteers’ determination was unwavering. Micro weather, which refers to localized weather patterns, is significantly influenced by the mountain’s elevation and vegetation, making the Sierra Madre’s climate unique. The strong winds that sweep through these mountains are vital for dispersing seeds and sustaining biodiversity. Understanding these microclimates is key to knowing the ecosystem’s needs, particularly when planning conservation efforts.
Amid the challenging conditions, the volunteers successfully planted ten native Philippine trees: five Malaruhat and five Bani. Planting native trees is essential as they are well-adapted to local climates and support the natural ecosystem. Endemic trees like Malaruhat and Bani play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by providing food and shelter for wildlife, improving soil stability, and preventing erosion. Their deep-root systems also help absorb rainwater, mitigating floods and landslides. Unlike exotic species, native trees enhance the ecological balance, ensuring the survival of other species within their habitat, making them invaluable to the Philippines’ natural heritage.
The SAVE Program works to empower students and volunteers to become eco-warriors, encouraging individual initiatives to plant and nurture trees. Through partnerships with FEED (For Environmental Education and Development), the program offers hands-on opportunities to work on environmental projects like tree planting and coral restoration. SAVE also fosters connections with diverse groups worldwide, bringing together advocates from various sectors such as education, forestry, and water conservation. By promoting the importance of environmental stewardship, SAVE turns passion into action, enabling participants to actively contribute to the recovery and preservation of ecosystems across the Philippines.
SAVE Members support FEED’s broader mission of sustainable development through their skills, donations, and volunteer efforts. The program thrives on collective action, with members planting trees or establishing nurseries in their names or on behalf of loved ones. These activities contribute to FEED’s Living Legacy programs, which aim to leave a lasting impact on communities and the environment. By integrating environmental education and practical conservation, the SAVE program empowers individuals to take meaningful steps toward safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Forester Rey Lorida, who facilitated the event alongside Ms. Rose Bocado, emphasized the recovery of nature as a mutual relationship between humans and the environment. Through reforestation efforts like the Ridge to Reef Program, where upland areas are restored to prevent urban flooding, humans benefit as much as nature does. Trees not only offer flood control and clean air but also contribute to a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.
Collective action is essential in environmental conservation, as even small individual efforts can accumulate into significant positive change. When people come together to plant trees, they multiply their impact, helping ecosystems recover faster and more effectively. The SAVE volunteers, though few in number, exemplified this collective spirit as they worked side by side to make a difference. As more people join these initiatives, the results become increasingly visible, from healthier forests to improved air and water quality.
Finally, a heartfelt appreciation goes out to the determined eco-warriors and the local community who made this event possible. Special thanks to the Forest Guardians led by Forester Rey Lorida, with the assistance of Ms. Rose Bocado, for facilitating the tree planting activity. Together, they prove that collective efforts, no matter how small, can create lasting impacts on the environment.
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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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