In a signing ceremony held July 31, Ayala Corp., ACEN, Ayala Land Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and Globe Telecom Inc. formalized their support for Forests for Life, a nationwide reforestation campaign launched by the DENR in March 2025.
The program aims to revive forest cover, restore biodiversity, improve water resources, and mitigate climate change by reducing carbon in the atmosphere through science-backed tree-planting and maintenance efforts.
“It is only through collaborating with government and similar-minded peers in the private sector can we truly create a natural environment that every Filipino deserves,” said Ayala Corp. vice chair Fernando Zobel de Ayala. “May this partnership be a template of many more meaningful engagements with the DENR.”
According to Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla, the Philippines currently retains only 24 percent of its forest cover, making reforestation a national priority. The program enlists private sector partners to help plant and ensure the survival of trees in deforested and degraded areas.
“The DENR’s partnership with the Ayala Group is a powerful affirmation that sustainable development is a shared responsibility,” Lotilla said. “Together, we are not just planting trees – we are investing in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive growth for generations to come.”
The initiative aligns with the Ayala Group’s Net Zero 2050 commitment and longstanding emphasis on sustainability and ESG-driven practices.
As of end-2024, the group recorded $6.2 billion in sustainable financing, advancing its green and socially responsible agenda. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
