Speaking during the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ayala Group under the “Forests for Life: 5 Million Trees by 2028” initiative, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla emphasized the opportunity for businesses to turn forest conservation into climate-smart capital.
‘Let’s capture more value from carbon markets’
“Are we going to simply see ourselves as producers of carbon credits?” Lotilla posed. “Can we take a look at how we can catch or capture part of the value added?”
Lotilla noted that the Philippines must aim higher than just supplying carbon credits to international buyers. “We need not be part of the regional hub,” he said. “We can see whether there is money to be made in being a hub, not only for the region, but also globally.”
The Forests for Life program aims to plant at least five million native forest trees in six critical watershed areas—Ilocos Norte, Bataan, Rizal, Leyte, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Norte—over the next three years. Beyond planting, the program also focuses on ensuring tree survival and long-term forest health.
From seed to survival: Corporate role in reforestation
“This is not simply about planting trees,” Lotilla said. “Together, we are motivating a future—one where our forests thrive and our stakeholders live in a healthy, prosperous, and resilient society.”
The Ayala Group, through its units Ayala Corp., Ayala Land, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Telecom, and ACEN Corp., reaffirmed its commitment to the program during the signing.
The group first pledged support on March 21, during the International Day of Forests. It now joins 21 other organizations officially enrolled as partners.
Under the MOU, partners will undertake various reforestation activities such as site preparation, seedling production, tree planting, and maintenance. They may also contribute to broader efforts like stakeholder engagement, community mobilization, and public education campaigns.
Public registry for transparency and recognition
For its part, the DENR—through the Forest Management Bureau and regional offices—will handle site identification and technical support, streamline permitting and compliance requirements, and monitor tree survival rates and carbon sequestration. The agency also plans to maintain a public registry of program partners to ensure transparency and recognition.
The department hopes the collaboration with Ayala Group will set an example for other corporations to follow, particularly as companies ramp up their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts.
Participation in the program offers several benefits, including sustainability certification, potential tax incentives, employee engagement opportunities, and recognition in environmental disclosures.
Nature as national asset
The Forests for Life program is designed with carbon market readiness in mind. It uses tools such as satellite and drone monitoring, carbon tracking systems, and data-driven forest management strategies to ensure transparency and measurable results. These efforts aim to produce high-integrity carbon credits that companies can use or trade.
Beyond carbon finance, the long-term goal is to restore degraded ecosystems. The program exclusively uses native, non-commercial tree species to ensure the reforestation efforts support biodiversity conservation, water security, disaster risk reduction, and improved air quality.
With global climate action gaining urgency, Lotilla said the Philippines’ natural assets—if managed well—can generate both environmental benefits and economic opportunities. “Let us move forward with a vision that harnesses our forests not just for survival, but for growth,” he said. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
