05 July 2025, Siniloan, Laguna – Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Last July 5, 2025, the Laguna Quezon Land Grant in the Sierra Madre mountain ranges welcomed a sunny morning despite the peak of the wet season. The pleasant weather stood in contrast to the area’s usual microclimate, which is often marked by sudden afternoon rains and shifting winds. These unpredictable mountain conditions make tree planting both challenging and rewarding, underscoring the resilience and determination required of its participants.
On this day, 50 dedicated eco-warriors from FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines Corporation joined hands with FEED to plant 1,000 seedlings of native Philippine trees. The seedlings included 150 Tagpo, 480 Maraluhat, 120 Kupang, 20 Batikuling, 150 Tu-i, and 80 Gakakan. With shared commitment and enthusiasm, the group contributed significantly to the ongoing reforestation efforts in one of the country’s most vital ecosystems.
The program began with a morning exercise session led by Diane Penales of FEED, energizing participants before the trek. Anne-Marie Mananquil Bakker of FEED then officially opened the event with a message on the importance of the Ridge to Reef program, which promotes forest restoration using native species to reduce flooding and stabilize slopes.
Beyond upland restoration, the initiative also encompasses mangrove and coral planting to safeguard coastal ecosystems, creating a holistic approach that links forest health to marine resilience. This strategy not only protects biodiversity but also fosters sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
Planting native Philippine trees plays a central role in restoring ecosystems and preserving biodiversity. Endemic species are naturally adapted to the local soil, climate, and weather conditions, making them more resilient and better able to support local wildlife. These trees provide food and shelter for birds, insects, and animals, while their root systems prevent soil erosion and help regulate the water cycle. Unlike non-native species that can disrupt ecological balance, native trees harmonize with their environment and contribute to long-term sustainability. By restoring forests with native species, we protect natural heritage, strengthen resilience to climate change, and ensure healthier communities for generations to come.
The Sierra Madre Mountains, often called the “backbone of Luzon,” stretch over 500 kilometers and serve as a vital natural barrier against typhoons. This mountain range weakens storms before they reach highly populated areas, reducing destruction and saving countless lives. Beyond storm protection, the Sierra Madre is a biodiversity hotspot, home to endemic plants and animals that thrive only within its forests. Its ecosystems regulate water supply, prevent landslides, and capture significant amounts of carbon dioxide, making it indispensable in the fight against climate change. Protecting and nurturing these forests safeguards not only wildlife but also millions of people who depend on the Sierra Madre for survival.
FUJIFILM’s Oscar Dolendo, Vice President of Strategic Services & Alliances / Marketing Division closed the planting by stating: “Our consolidated action today, along with our clients and partners, reflects not just Corporate Social Responsibility, but also our global support and solidarity in addressing complex and inter-related challenges everyone faces everywhere – from climate change and biodiversity loss, to community livelihood and sustainability. This partnership amplifies not only our commitment to positively impacting FEED and its local forestry partners on the ground, but also by helping scale up these projects that directly benefit critical ecosystems and the communities who manage them on everyone’s behalf. We are very grateful and intend to do more”.
It is a victory for Mother Nature when global corporations such as FUJIFILM’s “You Print, We Plant” to help offset carbon emissions, by extending the organisation’s influence toward sustainability, aligning innovation with conservation through.
This collaboration sets an example and proves that multi-stakeholder involvement – working with private, public, NGO/civic society and local community frontlines – in the restoration of critical habitats, particularly watersheds (ridges), coastal (mangroves, coastal and coral species), and farming/agriculture (even in public elementary schools, LGUs, etc.) require collective and organized action in order to implementing lasting social, economic and environmental change. No one sector can tackle this challenge alone. At the core of FEED’s climate change action programs, therefore, are local farming, forestry and fisheries community frontlines as our main partners in achieving positive societal change in these sectors.
Special thanks go to the eco-warriors of FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines Corporation for their dedication and positive spirit throughout the activity. Gratitude is also extended to the Forest Guardians led by Forester Rey Lorida, Ms. Rose Bocado who facilitated the program, and the local community—especially the mothers who prepared a warm and hearty meal for the participants. Together, these efforts demonstrate the power of unity in creating a greener, more resilient future.
Why Ridge to Reef is so Important in the Philippines
“Ridge to Reef” isn’t just an environmental idea — it’s a necessity for the survival of the Philippines’ ecosystems, communities, and future generations. Everyone, from a farmer in the mountains to a fisherfolk in the reef, is connected. And so are you.
“There have been many government initiatives over the years in response to climate change, but there’s still a lot to do in terms of integrating these plans and programs,” said Rex Victor O. Cruz, Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. (Source: https://www.dostv.ph/blog/ridge-to-reef-approach-the-needed-integrated-gov-t-response-to-climate-change-says-environmental-expert)
“Ridge to Reef” is an integrated approach to environmental management that is particularly important in the Philippines due to its unique geography, biodiversity, and climate vulnerability. Here’s a breakdown of why it’s important and how people and organizations can get involved:
🌄 Why “Ridge to Reef” Is Important in the Philippines
1. Geographical Features
The Philippines is an archipelago with mountainous areas (ridges) directly connected to rivers, lowlands, and coastal/marine ecosystems (reefs). Activities in upland areas directly affect downstream ecosystems.
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Example: Deforestation in uplands leads to soil erosion, which causes sedimentation in rivers and coral reefs, damaging fish habitats.
2. Rich but Fragile Biodiversity
- The country is part of the Coral Triangle, the global center of marine biodiversity.
- It’s also home to endemic flora and fauna in forests and mountain ranges.
- Poor land use or pollution upstream can devastate ecosystems and threaten species downstream, including in marine protected areas and fishing grounds.
3. Climate Change and Natural Disasters
The Philippines is prone to typhoons, floods, landslides, and sea-level rise. A Ridge to Reef approach improves resilience by:
- Reducing flooding through forest and watershed conservation.
- Protecting coasts with mangroves and coral reefs.
- Preserving food and water security across ecosystems.
4. Livelihoods and Food Security
Millions of Filipinos depend on:
- Uplands: for farming and freshwater.
- Lowlands: for rice production.
- Coastal areas: for fishing and tourism.
Damage in one area (e.g., forest clearing or overfishing) affects all others — often hurting the poorest communities most.
👥 How People and Organizations Can Get Involved
📌 1. Community-Based Programs
- Join or form community forest or marine protected area groups.
- Participate in river clean-ups, reforestation efforts, or mangrove planting.
- Get involved in local disaster risk reduction and environmental education.
📌 2. Support Sustainable Livelihoods
- Buy products from eco-friendly and community-run enterprises (e.g., rainforest honey, eco-tourism, seaweed farming).
- Advocate for agroforestry or organic farming over slash-and-burn practices.
📌 3. Education & Awareness
- Promote Ridge to Reef in schools and barangays through storytelling, art, or social media.
- Organize youth camps or environmental workshops.
- Partner with NGOs or LGUs to host awareness drives.
📌 4. Collaboration with LGUs & NGOs
- LGUs can create Integrated Watershed and Coastal Management Plans.
- NGOs often welcome volunteers, donors, or research collaborators.
📌 5. Policy Advocacy
- Advocate for better land use planning, strict enforcement of forest/marine protection laws, and pollution control.
- Engage in barangay or municipal councils to push for eco-friendly zoning or ordinances.
GPS Coordinates of FUJIFILM Forest at Laguna Quezon Land Grant, Sierra Madres
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:
“You Print, We Plant”: About FUJIFILM’s and FEED’s Partnership for Sustainability through Tree-Planting to Offset Printing Impact
FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines Corp.TAGUIG, METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES, March 17, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines Corp. (FUJIFILM BI PH) has officially signed a partnership with Fostering Education & Environment for Development (FEED Inc.) to launch a corporate sustainability initiative that promotes reforestation in the Philippines.
Hideaki Kato, President at Fujifilm BI PH, and Anne-Marie Mananquil Bakker, Partnerships Director at FEED
Under this program, FUJIFILM BI PH commits to planting one tree for every predetermined number of printouts generated by its customers. This initiative not only offsets the environmental footprint of printing but also reinforces FUJIFILM BI PH’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices.
“We believe that innovation and sustainability should go hand in hand. Through this partnership with FEED Inc., we aim to give back to the environment while supporting our customers in their sustainability goals,” said Hideaki Kato, President of FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines Corp.
L-R: Leonard Lizarondo, Product Manager (FUJIFILM); Hideaki Kato President, FUJIFILM BI Philippines Corp.; Anne-Marie Mananquil Bakker, Partnerships Director, FEED; Oscar Dolendo, Vice President – Strategic Services & Alliances / Marketing Division (FUJIFILM); and Leah Barcas, VP Finance & Chief Finance Officer (FUJIFILM) launching the Sustainability Partnership Agreement “You Print, We Plant” on March 14th, 2025.
Photo Library & Videos
About FEED’s Living Legacy Programs
Tree-Nurturing Program with FEED
Immerse yourself in nature and explore our Tree-Nurturing Program in Siniloan, Laguna, nestled within the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges. Witness the untouched beauty of Mother Nature—watch this video for a glimpse of the experience.
(c) Fostering Education and Environment for Development, Inc.