On a bright yet chilly morning last November 23, 2024, the Laguna Quezon Land Grant in the Sierra Madre mountain ranges welcomed participants from UPS Alabang for a significant environmental event. With clear skies marking the beginning of the cold weather season, the group defied the usual micro weather patterns in the mountains—known for their unpredictable rains and strong winds—to plant a diverse array of native Philippine trees. This effort is part of a broader commitment to restoring our nation’s forest ecosystems.
The day began with a lively morning exercise led by Ms. Rose Bocado to prepare the participants physically and mentally for the trek ahead. Following this, a heartfelt opening message from Anne Marie Bakker of FEED, Inc. set the tone for the event. She emphasized the importance of the Ridge to Reef program, which focuses on forest landscape restoration and reforestation using native Philippine trees. According to Anne Marie, this program not only mitigates the impacts of flooding and stabilizes slopes but also enhances soil stability and water absorption in upland areas. These actions directly benefit coastal and lowland regions, where flooding often wreaks havoc.
Anne Marie further explained that the Ridge to Reef program encompasses more than tree planting—it includes mangrove and coral restoration to support coastal ecosystems. This interconnected strategy ensures the health and resilience of both natural environments and human communities. Additionally, the program provides alternative livelihoods for local residents, empowering them to become independent facilitators of similar environmental events.
Armed with determination and guided by Forester Rey Lorida and the local forest guardians, the volunteers successfully planted 800 native Philippine trees, including 200 Malaruhat Pula, 150 Lawaan, 50 Kalumpit, 50 Apitong, 50 Batikuling, 100 Lipote, 50 Marang, 100 Agusep, and 50 Wild Rambutan. These species were chosen for their ecological and cultural significance. Native trees like these play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, providing habitats for wildlife, and supporting the Philippines’ unique ecosystems. Their deep roots stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and regulate water cycles, making them indispensable for forest restoration.
Planting native trees is vital because they are adapted to local conditions, require less maintenance, and have a higher survival rate compared to exotic species. Unlike invasive species, which can disrupt ecosystems and threaten native flora and fauna, endemic trees help sustain the delicate balance of biodiversity. They also act as carbon sinks, mitigating climate change by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide.
The event also highlighted the ongoing issue of illegal logging in the Philippines, a problem that has persisted for decades. Illegal logging not only devastates forests but also exacerbates climate change and endangers communities through increased risks of landslides and flooding. Programs like the “Tree Nurturing Program” aim to reverse this destructive trend by fostering sustainable forest management practices. The key lies in collective action, education, and community involvement, empowering locals to protect and nurture their natural resources.
The success of this event would not have been possible without the spirited participation of UPS Alabang volunteers, whose determination and positive energy were truly inspiring. Special thanks also go to the local community, particularly the women who prepared a sumptuous lunch, and the dedicated forest guardians who continue to safeguard these precious lands.
We also acknowledge the International Tree Foundation who made this possible by co-sponsoring the planting with UPS.
FEED, Inc. expresses its heartfelt gratitude for this meaningful partnership and looks forward to future collaborations that champion environmental stewardship. Together, through efforts like these, we can leave a lasting legacy of thriving forests and resilient ecosystems for generations to come.
Photo Library:
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
About UPS
UPSers know that doing good in the world is also good for business. This has been a core value for our company for 115 years. Our latest Sustainability Report highlights the progress we’re making toward important goals that deliver “good” in the world, including achieving 100% carbon neutrality by 2050, and striving toward 30% women in full-time management globally and 40% ethnically diverse full-time management in the United States by 2025.
We have planted 28M trees since 2012 toward our goal of 50M trees by 2030.
For more details, visit: https://about.ups.com
About the International Tree Foundation
The International Tree Foundation is a charity working with local communities to plant trees and restore forests in places where, together, we can make the fastest, most lasting impact for communities and the future of our planet. For more details, visit:
https://www.internationaltreefoundation.org
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.