Siniloan, Laguna — June 24, 2025. Despite the gloomy skies, 200 eco-volunteers from KMC Solutions journeyed to the Laguna Quezon Land Grant nestled in the heart of the Sierra Madre. Their mission: to plant native tree seedlings and take part in an initiative that combines environmental restoration with collective action for long-term sustainability.
This large-scale reforestation effort, spearheaded by FEED, Inc. in partnership with KMC Solutions, goes beyond tree planting. It represents a concrete commitment to climate resilience, ecological restoration, and community empowerment. With each seedling planted—participants were helping reestablish biodiversity and rebuild the fragile ecosystems of the Sierra Madre, one of the country’s most vital natural barriers.
A total of 10,000 native Philippine tree seedlings were allocated for the activity. On June 24, the 200 eco-warriors from KMC Solutions planted 2,000 trees across designated areas within the Land Grant. The remaining 8,000 seedlings were planted the following day, June 25, by the esteemed Forest Guards of the Laguna Quezon Land Grant, on behalf of the company. These native species were carefully chosen for their ecological compatibility and included: 6,640 Maraluhat, 750 Kupang, 600 Igang, 600 Kalumpit, 300 Balitbitan, 300 Tagpo, 300 Narra, 100 Talang, 400 Marang, and 10 Gakakan. Each tree planted represents an investment not only in forest recovery but also in the long-term health of one of the country’s most critical watersheds.
“The Sierra Madre serves as a living shield that protects Luzon from devastating typhoons,” said Forester Rey Lorida during the morning’s orientation. “But its strength relies on its forests. Without trees, we lose that shield.”
Volunteers were briefed not only on the science behind forest rehabilitation but also on the deeper ecological connections through the Ridge to Reef (R2R) framework. This holistic approach recognizes how protecting forests in upland areas can directly influence the health of rivers, reefs, and coastal communities downstream. Reforestation in Siniloan contributes to preventing soil erosion, reduces sedimentation in waterways, and ultimately supports coral reef systems by preserving water quality. Sir Allan Libarnes of the Laguna Quezon Land Grant also demonstrated the proper handling and planting of seedlings.
Central to this initiative was also the Tree Nurturing Program—designed to ensure that the trees planted will be monitored, cared for, and protected long after the event ends. This long-term stewardship is vital in ensuring that forest rehabilitation efforts bear fruit—literally and figuratively—in the coming years.
Rose Bocado of Laguna Quezon Land Grant energized the crowd with a pre-planting warm-up, setting the tone for a day of impact. Volunteers hiked into planting zones with tools and seedlings in hand, guided by experienced forest staff and local Forest Guardians.
The event’s success also rested on the strong partnership between corporate and grassroots actors. Local residents played a vital role—from preparing meals to providing guidance in the field—illustrating how community-based conservation and corporate social responsibility can work hand-in-hand. This collaboration is an example of how environmental protection cannot rely on individual action alone; it thrives when shared responsibility becomes a collective value.
Planting trees was just the beginning. Participants came with the intention of making a difference, but left with a deeper understanding of nature’s interconnectedness—and a renewed sense of responsibility to help protect it.
With the final seedlings gently placed into the soil, the day closed not only with exhausted smiles but with a renewed sense of purpose. This reforestation effort stands as a reminder that meaningful change is possible when individuals, communities, and companies unite for a common cause. In the face of climate change and environmental degradation, it is this kind of collective action that builds resilience—not just for forests, but for future generations.
Photo Library:
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.