Laguna, Philippines – May 3, 2025 — As the dry season neared its end, the Laguna Quezon Land Grant experienced a day of ideal weather conditions for environmental action. The morning sun lit up the landscape, while occasional afternoon showers, typical of the Sierra Madre’s unpredictable microclimates, provided natural refreshment. These unique conditions—where temperature, humidity, and wind can change abruptly across short distances—underscore the challenges and opportunities inherent in reforestation within mountainous regions.

Volunteers from the ASHRAE Philippines Chapter gathered with a unified goal: to support ecological restoration by planting 300 native tree seedlings. The activity featured the planting of 100 Balitbitan, 100 Malaruhat, and 100 Kupang—species endemic to the Philippines and vital to forest biodiversity and resilience. These trees are well-adapted to the local environment, making them ideal for long-term sustainability efforts.

Reforestation with native species is a critical component of ecosystem restoration. Native trees offer numerous ecological benefits: they help regulate local temperatures, enrich soil fertility, and prevent erosion through robust root systems. Moreover, their presence supports local wildlife by providing food and habitat, while also contributing to water conservation by enhancing natural retention. Importantly, native trees act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and mitigating the effects of climate change.

The day commenced with a preparatory morning exercise led by Rose Bocado of the Laguna Quezon Land Grant, energizing participants for the physically intensive planting work. This was followed by a briefing from Anne Marie Bakker of FEED, Inc., who discussed the significance of the Ridge to Reef program—a holistic environmental strategy that spans from upland forests to coastal and marine ecosystems. By focusing on reforestation in the highlands, the initiative contributes to flood mitigation, erosion control, and the stabilization of watersheds, with downstream benefits for coastal and lowland communities.

In addition to tree planting, the Ridge to Reef approach incorporates mangrove rehabilitation and coral reef restoration, reinforcing the interconnected nature of ecosystems. This integrated method not only enhances environmental protection but also fosters socio-economic development through alternative, sustainable livelihoods. It empowers local communities to become active participants in conservation, promoting long-term stewardship of natural resources.

Community engagement is essential to the success and sustainability of environmental initiatives like this. Local residents possess deep knowledge of their surroundings and are instrumental in the ongoing care and monitoring of reforested areas. Their involvement fosters a sense of ownership, ensures continuity, and enhances the overall effectiveness of conservation efforts. Inclusive participation strengthens community resilience, supports education and capacity-building, and creates opportunities—especially for women and youth—to take leadership roles in environmental protection.

Collective action remains a foundation of impactful environmental work. When individuals, organizations, and communities collaborate, the reach and effectiveness of their efforts increase substantially. Coordinated action enables knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and the implementation of broader strategies. Such unity cultivates a shared sense of purpose and reinforces the idea that climate solutions are a collective responsibility. It also encourages innovation and adaptation, essential in responding to complex environmental challenges. Ultimately, collaboration magnifies outcomes and builds momentum for continued environmental progress.

The success of this initiative was made possible through the commitment and enthusiasm of the ASHRAE Philippines Chapter volunteers, whose dedication to environmental sustainability continues to inspire. Special recognition is also due to the Forest Guardians, led by Forester Rey Lorida, for their guidance and on-ground expertise, and to Ms. Rose Bocado, whose effective coordination was instrumental in the smooth execution of the event. Gratitude is extended to the local community members—especially the women who generously prepared nourishing meals for all participants, fostering a warm and collaborative atmosphere.

This event reflects the power of partnerships in advancing environmental goals. FEED, Inc. remains steadfast in its commitment to ecological restoration and conservation. As these reforestation efforts grow, we call on more organizations, institutions, and individuals to take part in shaping a greener and more resilient future—one tree at a time.

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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: