T4S 2024 Preparation – Trees 4 Sustainability (T4S) is a partnership initiative focused on combating climate change by not just planting, but also nourishing trees for at least three years to ensure their growth and survival. In a significant step towards environmental conservation and sustainable tourism, the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Inc. (PCEPSDI) has teamed up with the Municipality of Siniloan, Laguna. On August 8, 2024, Hon. Mayor Patrick Ellis Go and Executive Director June M. Alvarez have signed a memorandum of agreement to formalize the long-term partnership with the Municipality.
The joint undertaking aims to designate 10 hectares of the Siniloan Forest Park as the official planting site for T4S 2024, promoting sustainable practices and offering alternative livelihoods for the local community. This is just the start of a much broader initiative with the municipality as the program intends to cover the 50 hectares and aims to transform Siniloan into a beacon for eco-tourism and destination.
The planting site for T4S 2024 is situated in Siniloan, Laguna which is part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges. The Sierra Madre mountain range is indeed a vital and stunning natural landmark in the Philippines as 40% of the mountain range represents 22% of the national forests in the country. Spanning over 500 kilometers, it traverses 10 provinces, making it the longest mountain range in the country. The Sierra Madre serves as a crucial ecological buffer, protecting the eastern seaboard of Luzon from the harsh effects of typhoons and serving as a key watershed area. Its rich biodiversity includes many endemic species of animals as the mountain range’s over 60 protected areas are home to a variety of flora and fauna, many of which are found nowhere else on the planet.
Trees 4 Sustainability also aims to remind Filipinos of the dangers which a lack of concern and action for the Sierra Madre Mountains may bring about. It commemorates the day in 2009 when Tropical Storm Ondoy brought heavy rains and massive flooding in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, causing widespread deaths and destruction. The disaster was attributed to the continued deforestation, degradation, and destruction of the Sierra Madre Mountains. In more recent times, Filipinos have been reminded again of the importance of protecting Sierra Madre as Metro Manila and nearby provinces in Luzon have been experiencing worsen typhoons and flash floods.
The conservation of this mountain range is critical not just for biodiversity but also for the communities that rely on it for resources and protection from natural disasters. Unfortunately, deforestation, illegal logging, and development projects threaten this precious ecosystem, making it a focal point for environmental advocacy and sustainable development efforts in the country.
As early as 2024, the Trees 4 Sustainability team has been conducting site visits and close coordination with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Siniloan headed by Mr. Raymond Z. Salay. With the assistance and support from MENRO, the team had successfully conducted site preparation activities including site clearing, brushing, hole digging, and staking.
In August 24, 2024, The Trees 4 Sustainability (T4S) Ceremonial Planting 2024 made a powerful return with its theme, “PUNO ang SOLUSYON” (Trees are the Solution), at the scenic Siniloan Forest Park in Siniloan, Laguna on August 24, 2024. This inspiring event drew 243 passionate participants from various institutions and cause-oriented organizations across both the public and private sectors, all united by a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
In a true testament to collective action, the participants successfully planted 3,000 Molave tree seedlings, each one symbolizing hope and resilience for a sustainable future. The event was more than just a tree-planting activity; it was a celebration of community, collaboration, and the profound impact of working together towards a common goal.
To honor the incredible support from its partners, T4S 2024 presented Plaques of Appreciation to its Orchard and Garden Donors. These donors played a crucial role in the program’s success by becoming tree foster parents for their adopted trees. Orchard Donors, who generously contributed 100 trees each, included Quanta Paper Corporation and Hocheng Philippines Corporation. Garden Donors, who donated 50 trees each, were recognized as well, with Starkson Packaging Inc., HiAdvance Philippines Incorporated, Centaur Chem Enterprise, Eco-Hygiene Institutional Sales Corporation, Klio International Marketing Corporation, I-Tung Plastic Mould Engineering Company, and Limatech Precision Plastic Corporation among the esteemed contributors.
T4S 2024 also recognizes the following supporting partners and individuals: GTGO Enterprises, Inc., ChocoVron, Cocoon Boutique Hotel, PUP Extension Management Office, McCormick Spice, Mitsubishi Power, Nviro Paint , Asian Coatings, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Small Business Corporation, Megafoundation International Corporation, Ms. Kristine Puente, AJBM23 TRUCKING SERVICE OPC, Al Marias Trucking Service, Dyca Transport, Consolidated Adhesives, Inc., RobinJenny Trucking Services, RoadStar, Malijan Fast Movers Corporation, and UMAC Forwarders Express Inc. For their commitment and support towards a common mission of nurturing trees, they were awarded with a Certificate of Recognition for adopting a Tree Guardian, Tree Parents (2 Trees), Family Tree (5 Trees), and/or Community Tree (10 Trees).
This event was more than just planting trees—it was about planting the seeds of a greener, more sustainable future. The impact of this collective effort will be felt for generations to come, as these trees grow and flourish, embodying the spirit of unity and dedication to our planet.
