Nature’s surprises never fail to amaze. On November 9, 2024, after a streak of typhoons and a threat of incoming ones, the skies blessed La Union with perfect weather, setting the stage for a day of environmental advocacy and community connection. At the heart of this event was the ECOSURF program, hosted at Urbiz Garden, San Juan, La Union, and graced by the enthusiasm of participants from UPS Clark Pampanga, along with the invaluable support of local leaders and members.
The day began with Anne Marie Bakker delivering an inspiring opening message. She discussed the Ridge to Reef program—a holistic initiative designed to restore forest landscapes, stabilize slopes, and mitigate flooding through the planting of native Philippine trees. The interconnectedness of ecosystems from mountains to coasts is at the core of this program, with mangroves and corals as keystone species – playing significant roles in supporting biodiversity and coastal resilience. Beyond environmental goals, the program uplifts local communities by providing alternative livelihoods and empowering them to lead conservation efforts. Anne’s heartfelt message reminded everyone of the importance of planting and protecting the environment out of love rather than obligation, despite the existence of (former) mandatory tree-planting laws, such as Presidential Decree 1153, espousing the planting of 1 tree per able bodied citizen per month for 5 consecutive years.
ECOSURF, a shining example of Ridge to Reef in action, was born out of the collaborative efforts of La Union’s surfing and fishing communities. It seamlessly blends environmental stewardship with the joy of the sea—offering activities like coastal cleanups, tree planting, mangrove restoration, and surf lessons. This initiative not only ensures ecological sustainability but also creates new opportunities for livelihood among local residents.
Mangroves are unsung heroes in environmental protection. They serve as natural barriers against coastal erosion, nurture marine life, and enhance the community’s resilience against climate change. Following the mangrove planting, the participants shifted to surf lessons and beach clean up. Led by Jongky Surf School’s skilled coaches, the session included land demonstrations, safety protocols, and water practice, giving everyone a taste of the waves while respecting the ocean’s power.
Although coral propagation had to be rescheduled due to high swells and safety measures, the demonstration underscored ECOSURF’s commitment to marine conservation. These corals are vital to preserving marine ecosystems and will be revisited once conditions are safer. The 20 corals sponsored by UPS Clark Pampanga team will be scheduled for deployment at the FEED nursery approximately 20 feet under low tide in Brgy. Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union – once the waves subside and Free Diving Coaches of Asia trained coral propagators are available to outplant before the end of 2024.
While La Union is often associated with sunny beaches and thriving tourism, the impact of climate change is felt deeply in its coastal communities. Manang Bel, Manong Jessie’s wife, shared how fishing—a once-reliable livelihood—has become precarious, with peaceful seasons now limited to less than three months a year. Similarly, surf instructors experience financial strain during the off-season when visitor numbers dwindle.
These stories highlight why sustainable programs like ECOSURF are crucial. They not only protect natural resources but also equip communities with the tools and opportunities to weather economic and environmental uncertainties.
The success of ECOSURF is proof to the strength of a supportive community. Tina Antonio of Urbizgarden, the surf coaches, Ocean Quest Global, FEED ambassadors like Celso and our growing FEED tribe worked hand in hand to make the event successful. The participants from UPS Philippines brought energy and enthusiasm, proving that when diverse groups unite under a shared purpose, extraordinary outcomes are possible.
Supportive communities are a treasure trove of resilience and creativity. They inspire individuals to step up and do their part, fostering an environment where no one feels alone in the mission to protect and preserve the planet. Every action, no matter how small, becomes part of a larger wave of change—one that uplifts not only the ecosystems but also each other.
To everyone who contributed—our ecowarriors from UPS Clark Pampanga team, local leaders, ambassadors, and partners Jongky Surf School (member of La Union Surf Club, Inc.), Ocean Quest Global, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Urbiz Garden—thank you for riding this wave of change with us. With special thanks to the International Tree Foundation, who helped sponsors major logistics for this activity with UPS.
This is our living legacy: we are ensuring La Union’s natural beauty and its people’s livelihoods are preserved for generations to come.
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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
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
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.