Laguna, Philippines — June 28, 2025. A group of 15 employees from HedgeServe Philippines  LLC Manila gathered at the Laguna Quezon Land Grant to take part in an important mission: to help heal the Sierra Madre, the longest mountain range in the Philippines and a vital stronghold of biodiversity.

This tree-planting activity, organized in collaboration with Fostering Education and Environment for Development, Inc. (FEED), was more than a corporate social responsibility event—it was a concrete step toward restoring one of the country’s most ecologically significant landscapes. The Sierra Madre, often called the “backbone of Luzon,” serves as a natural barrier against destructive typhoons and is home to countless endemic species. Yet, this lifeline faces mounting threats from deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change.

The day began with a lively warm-up session led by Rose Bocado from the Laguna Quezon Land Grant, energizing the participants for the meaningful task ahead. Following this, Anne Marie Bakker of FEED conducted an engaging orientation, introducing the “Ridge to Reef” program. This initiative underscores the critical link between reforestation in upland areas and the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems downstream. Ms. Bakker explained how restoring forest cover stabilizes watersheds, reduces flooding risks, and ultimately sustains communities that depend on both land and sea.

Armed with shovels and determination, the volunteers planted 200 native tree seedlings—100 Bani and 100 Kupang.These species, deeply rooted in the Sierra Madre’s ecology, are essential for preventing soil erosion, regulating water flow, supporting local wildlife, and capturing carbon emissions. As the group worked across the rugged terrain, Forest Guardian Allan Libarnes guided them through proper planting methods while sharing valuable insights into the ecological role of each species. His knowledge and passion left a lasting impression, transforming the day into both a practical and inspiring experience.

Although the Sierra Madre is known for its unpredictable weather, the mild skies and cool breeze on that day made the activity smooth and fulfilling. The volunteers saw this as a sign of hope, reinforcing the message that small steps—when taken together—can lead to great change. The event concluded with a meal prepared by members of the local community, symbolizing the spirit of unity and collaboration that defined the day. Special recognition was given to Forester Rey Lorida, the Forest Guardians team, and Ms. Bocado for their invaluable contributions to the event’s success.

Collective action lies at the heart of climate resilience. When individuals, organizations, and communities come together to plant trees, conserve ecosystems, or shift to sustainable practices, the impact extends far beyond one event. No single effort is ever enough, but when combined, these actions build momentum that can transform landscapes and strengthen defenses against climate change. As HedgeServe Philippines LLC Manila and FEED demonstrated, healing the environment is a shared responsibility—and each seedling planted represents a small but powerful act of solidarity with future generations.

As the final tree was planted, hope for a greener Sierra Madre took root. FEED continues to call on more companies, institutions, and individuals to take part in this ongoing mission. Because protecting the environment demands more than awareness—it demands action, persistence, and unity, one tree at a time.

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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: