On the bright morning of April 4, 2025, the Laguna Quezon Land Grant transformed into a symbol of youth-led environmental action. 35 passionate students from St. Edward’s School took part in FEED’s SAVE (Students & Volunteers for the Environment) Planting initiative, planting 100 native Philippine tree seedlings—50 Balitbitan and 50 Malaruhat Pula. Though young, these eco-warriors demonstrated wisdom beyond their years, proving that today’s generation isn’t just environmentally aware—they are ready to act, lead, and drive real change.

The significance of their effort went beyond the number of trees. Each seedling represented a bold statement: the youth are not waiting for permission to make a difference—they are stepping up now. The students’ enthusiasm and purpose reflected a global shift in mindset, where younger generations are increasingly taking the reins in addressing climate change and ecological degradation. By choosing action over apathy, they are reshaping what it means to be stewards of the environment.

These native tree species are crucial for restoring ecological balance. Indigenous to the region, Balitbitan and Malaruhat Pula support biodiversity, improve water retention, and prevent soil erosion—especially in upland areas prone to landslides. In planting these trees, the students helped not just the forest but entire communities downstream, showing a clear understanding of nature’s interconnectedness.

This event was part of FEED’s broader Ridge to Reef strategy, which restores ecosystems from the mountains to the sea by linking forest reforestation to mangrove and coral reef rehabilitation. In this holistic approach, planting trees upland contributes to healthier reefs and fisheries, revealing how even small actions in one area can ripple outward to benefit entire ecosystems. The involvement of young volunteers in such a complex, impactful initiative is evidence that environmental leadership is being taken up by a new, determined generation.

The activity also reinforced the importance of the Sierra Madre mountain range—Luzon’s natural shield against typhoons. As part of FEED’s Tree Nurturing Program, the planting emphasized that safeguarding these forests is key to reducing disaster risks, mitigating climate change, and protecting millions of lives. For the St. Edward’s students, this wasn’t just about planting trees—it was about planting hope, security, and resilience.

The community’s voice rang with urgency as concerns about the ongoing threat of illegal logging were brought to light, accompanied by a call for youth vigilance. The message was clear and compelling: while previous generations have laid the groundwork, it is now up to the youth to take up the mantle of forest protection. Their responsibility isn’t something to be delayed—it is pressing, active, and needed now.

Although small in number, the St. Edward’s volunteers embodied a growing movement: one where young people refuse to be passive observers. Every tree they planted was a declaration of agency and responsibility. Their actions reminded us all that climate leadership doesn’t require decades of experience—it starts with care, courage, and commitment.

FEED expresses heartfelt gratitude to the St. Edward School eco-warriors for their optimism and dedication. Appreciation also goes to the local community—especially the women who prepared nourishing meals—and to the Forest Guardians and facilitators, including Forester Rey Lorida and Rose Bocado, for their invaluable support.

As FEED continues to grow its Living Legacy programs, this youth-led initiative stands as a powerful reminder: when generations come together for the planet, transformation is not only possible—it’s already happening. The youth are no longer the voice of the future. They are the actions of today.

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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: