Siniloan, Laguna — September 6, 2025. Once again, 60 volunteers from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)devoted their weekend to fight climate change alongside local communities and Fostering Education and Environment for Development, Inc. (FEED) at the Laguna Quezon Land Grant, nestled within the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. Sixty participants, led by Ms. Chuchi, who continues to serve even after her retirement, took part in another meaningful reforestation activity — their second tree planting with FEED this year, following their first in July 2025.

The team planted 200 native Philippine trees, including 30 Balitbitan, 45 Ipil, 40 Kupang, 20 Talisay, and 65 Taluto, all crucial to restoring biodiversity and strengthening the resilience of the forest ecosystem.

Collective action is the foundation of lasting environmental change. It recognizes that no single individual or institution can solve the climate crisis alone — progress comes when people unite for a shared cause. Working hand-in-hand with local communities ensures that restoration efforts are grounded in local wisdom and sustained through long-term stewardship. This collaboration fosters shared responsibility, mutual respect, and empowerment, transforming once-degraded landscapes into thriving ecosystems. Collective action builds stronger social bonds, inspiring others to follow suit and amplifying the impact of each individual effort. Through cooperation, trust, and shared purpose, communities not only plant trees but also cultivate hope, resilience, and continuity.

This year’s anniversary theme, “Exist to Coexist,” encapsulates this mission perfectly. It reminds us that human survival is deeply intertwined with the health of the natural world. To exist sustainably, we must learn to live in harmony with all forms of life — protecting the forests that give us air, the waters that nourish us, and the soil that sustains us. Coexistence means acknowledging that every species has a role to play in maintaining the balance of the planet. By restoring forests and empowering communities, we ensure that both people and nature thrive together. The act of coexistence is not passive but an active choice — to care, to protect, and to rebuild. In doing so, we renew our collective promise to leave behind a planet capable of sustaining generations to come.

Before trekking to the planting site, participants began with warm-up exercises to prepare for the day’s activities. The program officially opened with a quick introduction from Sir Allan Libarnes about the native trees and a message from Anne Marie Bakker of FEED, Inc., who emphasized the importance of the Ridge to Reef program — an initiative that connects upland reforestation to coastal ecosystem protection. By planting native trees, the program stabilizes slopes, improves soil quality, and minimizes flooding in downstream communities. It also supports mangrove and coral rehabilitation, safeguarding marine habitats that depend on healthy upland forests. This holistic approach underscores how every ecosystem — from the ridges of Sierra Madre to the reefs below — is interconnected. Beyond environmental benefits, the program also provides alternative livelihoods for local residents, empowering them to become independent facilitators of restoration and sustainable land management.

       Forester Rey Lorida also shared insights into the persistent issue of illegal logging, a challenge rooted in poverty and lack of livelihood opportunities. Many engage in logging simply to survive, highlighting the need for sustainable, community-based alternatives. By working with local residents and providing access to dignified income sources, programs like FEED’s reforestation initiatives directly address the social roots of environmental destruction. Empowered communities become stewards, not exploiters, of their forests — proving that protecting nature starts with helping people.

Forester Rey further reminded everyone that while “nature will heal itself,” human support is essential to accelerate recovery. By restoring degraded areas and reducing destructive practices, people can help nature regain balance and vitality — ensuring that her healing power endures for generations.

After planting, participants continued their immersion by assisting in the nursery, demonstrated by Forest Guard Randy, filling seedling bags for upcoming projects. This hands-on experience allowed them to appreciate the care and patience that go into growing each tree from seed to sapling. The volunteers also visited the community vegetable garden, where they learned how locals cultivate fresh produce as part of their livelihood. The activity fostered a sense of appreciation for how environmental restoration and food security go hand in hand. These gardens not only provide nourishment but also represent resilience and self-sufficiency among the upland residents. Working side by side, the volunteers and the community exchanged stories, laughter, and shared purpose — turning the day into a true celebration of coexistence.

FEED expressed its heartfelt thanks to BSP for their cash and in-kind donations, which included used clothing and emergency lights for the local community. Such contributions go beyond environmental impact — they extend care and compassion to those who guard and nurture the forest every day. These acts of generosity strengthen the bond between institutions and grassroots partners, reinforcing the idea that every contribution, big or small, can make a meaningful difference. Through their continued commitment, BSP demonstrates what it means to lead with empathy and action, showing that sustainability begins with solidarity.

Special appreciation was also given to Forester Rey Lorida, Ms. Rose Bocado, and the UPLB Forest Guards, who prepared the site and ensured the success of the activity. The local staff once again showcased their culinary skill, serving the much-awaited binalot meal, a delicious reminder of Filipino warmth and hospitality after a day of hard work. FEED also extended heartfelt thanks to Ms. Chuchi and the entire BSP team for staying true to their promise to return — embodying dedication and continuity in the fight against climate change.

Through partnerships like these, FEED’s mission continues to flourish — proving that when people and nature work together, we not only exist, we truly coexist.

 

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About the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is the central bank of the Republic of the Philippines. It was established on 3 July 1993 pursuant to the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and the New Central Bank Act of 1993. The BSP took over from Central Bank of Philippines, which was established on 3 January 1949, as the country’s central monetary authority. The BSP enjoys fiscal and administrative autonomy from the National Government in the pursuit of its mandated responsibilities.

For more details, visit: bsp.gov.ph

🌱 How Companies Can Make a Difference through FEED’s Programs

FEED integrates environmental stewardship with community empowerment. Companies that partner with FEED can make lasting, measurable impacts in several ways:

1. 🔗 Participate in Community-Centred Reforestation:  FEED’s tree-planting initiatives prioritize native and fruit-bearing trees, promoting ecological restoration and local food security. These projects are implemented with local communities, especially farmers and indigenous peoples, who are trained and employed to plant and maintain trees.
2. 💼 Support Sustainable Livelihoods: FEED links reforestation with alternative income programs—such as agroforestry, ecotourism, and education grants—creating long-term value for communities. This reduces dependency on destructive practices like illegal logging or slash-and-burn agriculture.
3. 📚 Invest in Environmental Education: Companies can sponsor awareness campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and student scholarships that promote environmental literacy and sustainability.
   Education ensures that environmental gains are protected by future generations.
4. 📈 Enhance ESG Performance: Participation in FEED’s programs helps businesses meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets and align with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 1 (No Poverty).
5. 🤝 Demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):  By integrating tree planting and sustainable livelihoods into CSR strategy, companies not only improve their public image but also build stronger relationships with local communities.

✅ Summary: Why Partner with FEED?

• Local expertise, national impact: FEED works closely with communities and stakeholders in reforestation hotspots, always on the lookout for qualifying communities in critical areas across the Philippines and those particularly seeking  support and partnerships focused on building and expanding on their capacities.
• Holistic approach: Combines tree planting, education, and livelihood support.
• Transparency and scalability: Programs are measurable, with clear environmental and social metrics.
• Long-term sustainability: Ensures planted trees are maintained, communities benefit, and ecosystems are restored.