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What started as a simple tree-planting effort has quietly grown into something much bigger—millions of trees, thousands of lives changed, and communities stepping up as protectors of nature.

Through the One For Trees program of One Meralco Foundation, more than 3 million trees have been planted across the Philippines since 2019. But beyond the numbers, the real story is about people like Retchie Sacapaño of Ibajay, Aklan.

Retchie once saw mangroves as part of everyday life—just a place to catch crabs for dinner. That changed when she became a tour guide and learned how vital these forests are to their survival. Today, she’s part of a local group protecting the Katunggan It Ibajay Mangrove Eco-Tourism Park, helping plant and care for 50,000 mangroves in 2023 alone.

For her, the mission is simple but powerful: protect the forest, and it will protect the community. Mangroves don’t just provide income—they shield coastal villages from storms and serve as breeding grounds for fish.

And this effort is being repeated across the country.

In Butuan City, members of the Manobo tribe are restoring the Taguibo Watershed, a crucial water source for over 250,000 people. Among them is Danilo Dandanon Sr., who has planted hundreds of trees after seeing the river suffer from illegal logging. With support from partners like the Butuan City Water District, around 48,000 trees have already taken root in the area.

The approach goes beyond planting. By introducing agroforestry, communities earn income now while securing future harvests—giving them a reason to protect what they grow.

Further south in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, mangroves proved their worth during Typhoon Odette. When the powerful storm hit, these natural barriers helped soften the blow, saving homes and lives.

Today, reforestation efforts there have expanded, with 125,000 mangroves planted across 50 hectares. What used to be an area plagued by illegal cutting is now a protected reserve, even earning recognition as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. It’s now home to rare species like the Philippine duck and Mindanao hornbill—and a stronger line of defense against future storms.

Up north, efforts are also focused on strengthening the Sierra Madre mountain range, often called the country’s natural shield against typhoons. In Siniloan, Laguna, nearly 286,000 trees have been planted in a key land grant area, helping reinforce this vital barrier.

Volunteers, including Meralco employees, regularly trek into the mountains to plant seedlings—turning environmental action into a shared mission.

Back in Aklan, Retchie and her group return to the mangrove forest every weekend. They don’t just plant—they monitor, water, and protect each seedling, ensuring it survives for the next generation.

For communities like hers, the impact is already clear. More mangroves mean more fish, more protection, and more hope for the future.

With over 3 million trees planted and counting, the program is proving that reforestation isn’t just about restoring land—it’s about rebuilding lives and securing a legacy that will outlast any single generation.