Laguna, Philippines — November 8, 2025. As the holiday season draws near, the Laguna Quezon Land Grant in the Sierra Madre Mountains welcomed a fresh wave of environmental champions. Volunteers from SS&C Advent Manila traveled to the site for a day dedicated to healing the forest and strengthening the country’s most important ecological shield.

Blessed with warm sunlight and a refreshing mountain breeze, the volunteers carried out their mission under unusually clear skies—an encouraging break from the Sierra Madre’s often unpredictable weather. Guided by FEED, Inc. and forest guards and experts the group planted 200 native tree seedlings: 50 Maraluhat, 100 Bani, and 50 Kalumpit. These species, long adapted to Philippine soil and climate, are vital to the regeneration of the mountain range’s natural ecosystems.

Native trees play a key role in restoring ecological balance. Their deep-rooted relationships with local wildlife allow them to provide food and shelter for species found nowhere else. Unlike fast-growing exotic trees, native species are naturally resilient, needing fewer interventions while strengthening the forest’s long-term health. By prioritizing them, reforestation efforts help rebuild biodiversity that has evolved for centuries—ensuring the forest grows back in harmony with its original character.

The Sierra Madre, known as the protective “backbone of Luzon,” has endured decades of illegal logging and human-driven degradation. Tree-planting initiatives like this aim to mend the land, stabilize soil, revive natural water systems, and create a buffer against the worsening impacts of climate change. Each seedling planted represents a step toward restoring the country’s longest mountain range—a vital watershed and home to a vast collection of endemic flora and fauna.

Before the planting began, Forester Rey Lorida of the UP Laguna Quezon Land Grant opened the event by underscoring the need for continued reforestation, reminding everyone that meaningful restoration can begin at any time. Anne Marie Bakker of FEED followed with insights on the Ridge to Reef program—a holistic approach that connects upland forest restoration with the protection of coastal ecosystems. By safeguarding forests, mangroves, and coral reefs together, this initiative reinforces natural systems that support communities both inland and along the shore.

The day’s success was made possible through the collaboration of SS&C Advent Manila, FEED, Inc., and local partners. Forester Lorida and the Forest Guardians provided guidance throughout the activity, while Ms. Rose Bocado helped ensure a smooth flow of events. To close the program, volunteers shared a hearty meal lovingly prepared by local women—an expression of gratitude and community that enriched the experience.

Through collective action, the volunteers showed once again that reforestation is more than a task—it is a commitment to safeguarding life, strengthening resilience, and nurturing hope. Each tree planted stands as a promise that the Sierra Madre will continue to protect generations to come, so long as people work together to protect it in return.

Photo Library:

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:

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.