The Ayala Group became the latest private company to participate in the reforestation program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), joining 21 other entities in the registry.
The DENR on July 31 signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ayala Group of Companies under its Forests for Life: 5 Million Trees by 2028 initiative, a flagship reforestation drive targeting critical watersheds in six provinces across the country.
The program aims to plant at least five million indigenous forest trees in Ilocos Norte, Bataan, Rizal, Leyte, Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte over the next three years, ensuring the survival of these planted trees.
The DENR urged the private sector to invest in large-scale reforestation efforts to combat climate change and gain access to carbon credits and new green economic opportunities.
Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla stressed that forests are not only environmental buffers but also climate and economic assets, citing the potential for carbon credits in sustainable forest management areas.
“Are we going to simply see ourselves as producers of carbon credits? Can we take a look at how we can catch or capture part of the value added?” Lotilla asked, challenging the business sector.
Lotilla said during the signing ceremony that the Philippines must move beyond being a passive supplier of carbon credits, and begin exploring opportunities to become a regional or even a global hub for high-integrity carbon markets.
Lotilla said the Forest for Life program is not only a typical greening initiative, as it integrates satellite and drone monitoring, carbon sequestration tracking, and data-driven forest management to measure outcomes and eligibility for emerging carbon finance mechanisms, and ensures accountability.
“The private sector can help unlock their full value by leading investments in forest regeneration, carbon sequestration and nature-based solutions,” he said. PNA
With the signing of the MOU with the Ayala Group, including business units Ayala Corp., Ayala Land Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Telecom Inc. and Ayala Corporation Energy (ACEN), the company reaffirms its commitment to the program after its initial pledge during the International Day of Forests on March 21.
The MOU generally tasks partners to implement reforestation activities, such as site preparation, seedling production, tree planting and maintenance and protection of established plantations.
Partners can use their own resources in other activities that support the program, including community and stakeholder mobilization, and information and education campaigns.
The DENR, meanwhile, through its Forest Management Bureau (FMB) and concerned regional offices, will identify, assess and designate suitable reforestation sites and provide the necessary assistance on technical aspects, permitting, compliance and regulatory requirements.
It will also closely monitor and evaluate program implementation, track tree survival rates and carbon sequestration, provide guidelines in promoting the program, and ensure transparency by maintaining a public registry of partners.
In addition to long-term ecological gains, partners stand to benefit from sustainability certifications, employee engagement opportunities, possible tax perks and recognition in environmental reports.
“These forests will deliver lasting ecosystem services such as cleaner air and water, biodiversity conservation, and natural disaster risk reduction, while supporting the country’s commitments to global climate action,” the DENR said. PNA
