Laguna, Philippines — April 25, 2025 On a bright and breezy morning, 90 passionate volunteers from JLL Capital One converged at the Laguna Quezon Land Grant in Siniloan, Laguna, nestled within the verdant folds of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Their mission: to plant 900 native Philippine tree seedlings and reaffirm a collective commitment to protecting one of the country’s most critical natural barriers.

This large-scale reforestation activity was organized in partnership with FEED and forms part of the broader Ridge to Reef (R2R) strategy—a comprehensive environmental initiative that emphasizes the interconnectedness of upland forests, river systems, coastal ecosystems, and marine biodiversity. The day’s planting focused on three native tree species—Malaruhat, Balitbitan, and Kupang, with 300 seedlings of each sown into the soil.

Unlike fast-growing exotic species, these native trees are ecologically compatible with the Sierra Madre landscape. They stabilize the soil, improve water retention, support endemic wildlife, and, crucially, reduce the risk of erosion and flooding—vital services in a region regularly exposed to typhoons and extreme weather.

The day began with an energizing warm-up session led by environmental advocate Rose Bocado, followed by a thoughtful orientation from Forester Rey Lorida of the Laguna Quezon Land Grant. In his address, Forester Lorida underscored the importance of the Sierra Madre as Luzon’s natural shield against typhoons and emphasized the urgent need to restore and preserve its forest cover in the face of mounting threats like illegal logging and climate change.

“Without a healthy forest, the Sierra Madre cannot fulfill its protective role,” he said. “What we plant today will protect not just trees and animals, but entire communities.”

Illegal logging and land conversion continue to threaten the Sierra Madre, leading to biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and increased disaster vulnerability. Reforestation efforts such as this one play a crucial role in reversing environmental damage and building resilience through carbon sequestration, biodiversity recovery, and community engagement.

More than just tree planting, the initiative included a Tree Nurturing Program—a key element that ensures the survival and long-term growth of the saplings. By monitoring tree health over time, this program amplifies the impact of the reforestation and transforms short-term efforts into lasting change.

This initiative also highlights the social dimension of environmental work. Local community members contributed by preparing meals for the volunteers and participating as forest stewards and guides, reflecting the Ridge to Reef program’s focus on community development. By training locals in conservation-related roles, the initiative fosters sustainable livelihoods and cultivates a shared sense of environmental responsibility.

The event’s success was a result of strong collaboration between corporate volunteers, environmental advocates, and local stakeholders. JLL Capital One’s dedication was evident throughout the day—through sweat, laughter, teamwork, and purpose.

FEED expressed deep gratitude to all partners involved, especially to Forester Rey Lorida, Ms. Rose Bocado, and the Forest Guardians who worked tirelessly to facilitate the program.

As the final seedling was planted under the clear skies, it stood as a powerful symbol—not just of environmental restoration, but of hope and shared responsibility. Through initiatives like this, JLL Capital One is setting a benchmark for corporate environmental stewardship—proving that when people come together for a cause, they don’t just plant trees; they plant the future.

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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: