Laguna Quezon Land Grant, Philippines – March 1, 2025 — As the dry season dawned over the Sierra Madre, the morning sun cast a warm glow over the Laguna Quezon Land Grant—setting the scene for a powerful act of environmental restoration. Petsure Services, Inc., together with FEED, Inc., led 48 employee-volunteers in planting 600 native Philippine tree seedlings, reaffirming their commitment to biodiversity, climate resilience, and community empowerment.

The event unfolded under unusually calm weather, a rare contrast to the unpredictable microclimates of the Sierra Madre mountains—where sudden rain showers and shifting winds can drastically alter conditions within minutes. Such terrain makes reforestation complex yet deeply rewarding. With the region’s steep slopes and isolated communities, protecting the Sierra Madre is not just about trees—it’s about people, purpose, and long-term ecological survival.

Participants planted a diverse array of endemic species: 50 Balitbitan, 300 Maraluhat Pula, 10 Malasantol, 35 Igang, 15 Kamagong, 10 Kalumpit, 20 Wild Rambutan, 115 Kupang, and 5 Balayong. These native trees are resilient and ecologically appropriate for the region, providing habitat for wildlife, improving soil stability, and supporting watershed health. Their deep root systems help prevent erosion, conserve water, and naturally regulate the microclimate.

Before tree planting began, a warm-up session led by Rose Bocado of the Laguna Quezon Land Grant helped energize the group. This was followed by an orientation from Anne Marie Bakker of FEED, Inc., who explained the Ridge to Reef initiative—a holistic conservation strategy connecting mountain reforestation with mangrove and coral restoration downstream. By rehabilitating ecosystems from upland to coast, this program addresses not only environmental sustainability but also community resilience.

Despite the day’s optimism, Forester Rey Lorida reminded participants of the persistent threats to the Sierra Madre. Chief among these is illegal logging, a problem deeply rooted in the lack of sustainable livelihood opportunities for forest-dependent communities. When economic options are limited, people often resort to cutting trees for income—even if it compromises long-term environmental health. Forest degradation driven by illegal logging has weakened the region’s natural defenses against typhoons, landslides, and drought, jeopardizing both biodiversity and human lives.

Programs like Ridge to Reef aim to break this cycle. By involving local communities in environmental restoration and creating sustainable, nature-based livelihoods, they offer viable alternatives to destructive practices. Collective efforts—such as the collaboration between Petsure Services, Inc., FEED, Inc., and the local community—demonstrate that shared responsibility makes it possible to tackle complex issues more effectively. What may be daunting for one group becomes achievable when individuals, businesses, NGOs, and communities work together.

The day’s success was not only due to the number of trees planted but also the spirit of cooperation. Volunteers worked in harmony, supporting one another across rugged terrain and uneven ground. Meals lovingly prepared by local women nourished the participants, further deepening the bonds between corporate volunteers and community members.

The involvement of the Forest Guardians, led by Forester Rey Lorida, and the leadership of Ms. Rose Bocado ensured the activity was well-coordinated and impactful. Their guidance, local knowledge, and dedication to forest protection exemplify how strong grassroots engagement is key to sustaining long-term conservation efforts.

By contributing to the reforestation of the Sierra Madre, Petsure Services, Inc. exemplifies how the private sector can play a transformative role in environmental stewardship. Their volunteers not only planted trees—they planted hope, resilience, and solidarity. Through continued collective action and sustained support for native reforestation, we can combat illegal logging, restore biodiversity, and secure a greener future for generations to come.

As FEED, Inc. continues its mission, it invites more organizations to join in turning the tide—because together, the task of healing the Earth becomes lighter, more meaningful, and more achievable.

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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: