NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Rooted In Hope: How One Meralco Foundation's 'One For Trees' Is Cultivating Greener, Stronger Communities
Contributed Photo
On World Environment Day, the spotlight turns to stories that go beyond simply planting trees—they speak of transforming lives, uplifting communities, and creating sustainable futures. One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the social development arm of Meralco, has been doing just that through its reforestation initiative, One For Trees (OFT).
Launched in 2019, OFT has already planted and nurtured over 2.7 million trees. But more than the numbers, it’s the human stories and community impact that show how reforestation can spark environmental change while igniting local economies, tourism, and a deeper sense of stewardship among Filipinos.
From Flood Defense to Eco-Tourism: The Mangrove Marvels of Aklan
In Kalibo and Ibajay, Aklan, mangroves do more than fight off storm surges. They’ve become a symbol of resilience and a growing attraction for eco-tourism.
Take the community in New Buswang, Kalibo. Faced with seasonal flooding that threatens homes and livelihoods, residents rallied together under the Kalibo Save the Mangroves Association (KASAMA). Through training and awareness, members embraced mangrove planting not just as a protective measure, but as a mission for future generations.
“We had to understand the importance of trees in our lives. It became a life mission—for our children’s children,” shared KASAMA member Rosalie Teodosio.
With OFT’s help, KASAMA has planted 100,000 mangroves over 10 hectares. That effort didn’t just restore ecosystems; it also opened doors to tourism. Today, visitors stroll along a 220-hectare ecopark guided by locals, kayak down riverbanks flanked by mangroves, and even sample fresh tamilok, a local delicacy. From 2022 to 2024, about 80,000 tourists have explored this eco-gem.
In neighboring Ibajay, two other groups—Bugtongbato Fisherfolk Association (BFA) and Naisud Mangrove and Aquatic Organization (NAMAO)—worked with OFT to plant 50,000 mangroves across 20 hectares of forest in Katunggan It Ibajay (KII). For them, preserving mangroves means protecting vital fish spawning grounds.
What started as conservation now includes guided tours. Locals, once hesitant, now confidently lead foreign guests through the forests, even polishing their English skills along the way. “Beyond the extra income, I’ve gained confidence,” said NAMAO member Glenzy Bernardino. “I’ve grown with this forest—personally and professionally.”
Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Reforestation
In Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, the OFT program strengthens the role of the indigenous Manobo community in protecting the Taguibo River Watershed Forest Reserve—while also supporting their livelihood.
With abaca farming central to their economy, the community advocated for its inclusion in OFT’s planting mix. The result? More than 48,000 trees intercropped with abaca now thrive across the watershed, thanks to the collaboration between OFT, the Anticala Tribal Council of Elders and Leader Association, Inc. (ATRCELAI), and the Anticala Watershed Farmers Producer Cooperative (AWFPC).
Abaca not only grows well under the shade of native trees, but also provides income stability for farmers. Yet the goal goes beyond income. “Our priority is always to protect the Taguibo Watershed,” emphasized AWFPC member Glen Andojoyan. “Our planting is for the river and the generations who rely on it.”
Volunteers and Partners: Stewards of Sierra Madre
Further south in Siniloan, Laguna, OFT’s efforts continue at the University of the Philippines’ Laguna-Quezon Land Grant (LQLG). Located in the Sierra Madre—a vital natural barrier against typhoons—this area now holds over 185,000 trees planted through the program.
In 2024 alone, 11,149 trees were added by 170 volunteers, including employees from OMF’s partners. For MPower engineer Jayster Abainza, joining the reforestation activity was more than just a company initiative. “Though it’s a small step, it’s a step in the right direction,” he said.
OMF's collaboration with Fostering Education and Environment for Development, Inc. (FEED) has also strengthened community-based forestry. “With the help of volunteers, we extend climate action awareness—and show that planting trees is a powerful, nature-based solution,” explained FEED’s Director for Partnerships Anne Marie Bakker.
A Greener Tomorrow, Rooted in Today
Since 2019, One For Trees has taken root in areas across the country—Laguna, Bulacan, Bohol, Aklan, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and Bukidnon—touching lives and landscapes in equal measure.
The program proves that planting trees is more than an environmental act—it’s an invitation for communities to grow, thrive, and take pride in becoming protectors of their future. As OMF continues to plant seeds of hope, one thing is clear: sustainable communities begin with people, purpose, and a deep connection to the land they call home.
Launched in 2019, OFT has already planted and nurtured over 2.7 million trees. But more than the numbers, it’s the human stories and community impact that show how reforestation can spark environmental change while igniting local economies, tourism, and a deeper sense of stewardship among Filipinos.
From Flood Defense to Eco-Tourism: The Mangrove Marvels of Aklan
In Kalibo and Ibajay, Aklan, mangroves do more than fight off storm surges. They’ve become a symbol of resilience and a growing attraction for eco-tourism.
Take the community in New Buswang, Kalibo. Faced with seasonal flooding that threatens homes and livelihoods, residents rallied together under the Kalibo Save the Mangroves Association (KASAMA). Through training and awareness, members embraced mangrove planting not just as a protective measure, but as a mission for future generations.
“We had to understand the importance of trees in our lives. It became a life mission—for our children’s children,” shared KASAMA member Rosalie Teodosio.
With OFT’s help, KASAMA has planted 100,000 mangroves over 10 hectares. That effort didn’t just restore ecosystems; it also opened doors to tourism. Today, visitors stroll along a 220-hectare ecopark guided by locals, kayak down riverbanks flanked by mangroves, and even sample fresh tamilok, a local delicacy. From 2022 to 2024, about 80,000 tourists have explored this eco-gem.
In neighboring Ibajay, two other groups—Bugtongbato Fisherfolk Association (BFA) and Naisud Mangrove and Aquatic Organization (NAMAO)—worked with OFT to plant 50,000 mangroves across 20 hectares of forest in Katunggan It Ibajay (KII). For them, preserving mangroves means protecting vital fish spawning grounds.
What started as conservation now includes guided tours. Locals, once hesitant, now confidently lead foreign guests through the forests, even polishing their English skills along the way. “Beyond the extra income, I’ve gained confidence,” said NAMAO member Glenzy Bernardino. “I’ve grown with this forest—personally and professionally.”
Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Reforestation
In Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, the OFT program strengthens the role of the indigenous Manobo community in protecting the Taguibo River Watershed Forest Reserve—while also supporting their livelihood.
With abaca farming central to their economy, the community advocated for its inclusion in OFT’s planting mix. The result? More than 48,000 trees intercropped with abaca now thrive across the watershed, thanks to the collaboration between OFT, the Anticala Tribal Council of Elders and Leader Association, Inc. (ATRCELAI), and the Anticala Watershed Farmers Producer Cooperative (AWFPC).
Abaca not only grows well under the shade of native trees, but also provides income stability for farmers. Yet the goal goes beyond income. “Our priority is always to protect the Taguibo Watershed,” emphasized AWFPC member Glen Andojoyan. “Our planting is for the river and the generations who rely on it.”
Volunteers and Partners: Stewards of Sierra Madre
Further south in Siniloan, Laguna, OFT’s efforts continue at the University of the Philippines’ Laguna-Quezon Land Grant (LQLG). Located in the Sierra Madre—a vital natural barrier against typhoons—this area now holds over 185,000 trees planted through the program.
In 2024 alone, 11,149 trees were added by 170 volunteers, including employees from OMF’s partners. For MPower engineer Jayster Abainza, joining the reforestation activity was more than just a company initiative. “Though it’s a small step, it’s a step in the right direction,” he said.
OMF's collaboration with Fostering Education and Environment for Development, Inc. (FEED) has also strengthened community-based forestry. “With the help of volunteers, we extend climate action awareness—and show that planting trees is a powerful, nature-based solution,” explained FEED’s Director for Partnerships Anne Marie Bakker.
A Greener Tomorrow, Rooted in Today
Since 2019, One For Trees has taken root in areas across the country—Laguna, Bulacan, Bohol, Aklan, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and Bukidnon—touching lives and landscapes in equal measure.
The program proves that planting trees is more than an environmental act—it’s an invitation for communities to grow, thrive, and take pride in becoming protectors of their future. As OMF continues to plant seeds of hope, one thing is clear: sustainable communities begin with people, purpose, and a deep connection to the land they call home.
Jun 5, 2025
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