For a more resilient and climate-proof Philippines in the future, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has launched the “Forests For Life: 5M Trees by 2028″ initiative, which aims to plant and grow 5 million trees across critical areas in the country in the next four years.
During the project launch on Friday in Makati City, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga cited the indispensable role of forests in maintaining ecological balance, mitigating climate change, and sustaining the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos.
However, she said the country’s forest ecosystems are threatened by deforestation, land degradation, and the growing impact of climate change.
“This is why the Forests for Life program is both timely and critical. The Philippines has 15 million hectares of classified forest land, of which a little more than 7 million are covered with forests,” Loyzaga said.
“Our goal of 5 million is modest, modestly ambitious, yet necessary, and we hope to surpass it today with all our contributions. To grow 5 million indigenous trees nationwide by 2028, we are covering six priority areas — Ilocos Norte, Rizal, Leyte, Bataan, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Norte –all of which have been identified to have critical landscapes that require immediate reforestation efforts.”
Loyzaga said restoring the forest cover in these areas would also regenerate the ecosystems, effectively combating climate change. By combining carbon sequestration and flood management, the country’s biodiversity would be protected, reviving natural habitats.
Water security
DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo David said the “Forests For Life” initiative is shifting focus from traditional tree-planting drives to sustained forest growth, as the program ensures that trees survive long enough to provide crucial environmental benefits, particularly in flood prevention and water regulation.
He said forests play a vital role in replenishing groundwater sources by capturing rainwater and feeding deep wells and watersheds.
“Trees contribute to flood mitigation. It also provides regulation of our water supply, and therefore, the deep wells that we draw water from, actually were captured by the trees in the watersheds of these areas, so, it’s very critical,” he added.
Meanwhile, David also urged groups and organizations that plan to conduct tree-planting activities to coordinate with the DENR for monitoring purposes and to ensure that the seeds planted survive and grow into trees.
Loyzaga said data shows that survivability of planted seedlings, if not sustained, was at best decreased to 80 percent.
“So, one change that we have in this program is a sustained program wherein you plant the trees, but our goal is really to grow them. There’s a three-year period for the seedlings that need to be nurtured and cared for and maintained, and it’s only after the three years that it will actually grow on its own,” David said.
To further ensure the planted trees grow, the DENR would employ geospatial monitoring, a satellite-based system that will track tree growth, identify issues, and prevent duplication of efforts.
David said while trees take time to grow, the benefits will be felt within six years, significantly improving water supply stability and flood mitigation.
Investment for the environment
The DENR is urging individuals and businesses to invest PHP100 per tree under the “Forests For Life: 5M Trees by 2028” initiative, ensuring tree survival and long-term impact.
“The PHP100 per tree that we were talking about earlier, that would be the amount that we need to put into one tree for it to be maintained and protected for three years. So kung gusto natin pahabain pa yung (if we want to extend the) protection and rehabilitation program, dadagdag pa sa PHP100 yun (that would increase to 100 pesos),” DENR Assistant Director of the Forest Management Bureau Ray Thomas Cabigting said.
He said the investment covers seedlings, water, fertilizers, and three years of maintenance, addressing past failures where many trees did not survive.
Cabigting said an online registry will allow contributors to track where their trees are planted, species used, and growth progress, ensuring transparency.
The DENR encourages companies, schools, and other stakeholders to integrate the model into sustainability programs, emphasizing that PHP100 can help restore forests, secure water supply, and combat climate change. (PNA)
