Leaders from the Philippine government, academia and the private sector signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation on urban greening, carbon recovery and sustainability efforts in line with the National Adaptation Plan 2023–2050 and the Net Zero 2050 vision.
The partnership, which unites eleven institutions, aims to accelerate climate resilience initiatives. It was spearheaded by Climate Change Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz at the signing ceremony held at Rizal Technological University.
“This partnership shows what can happen when government, academia, and communities come together for climate action,” said Dela Cruz.
“It is collaboration in action — a living example of resilience and hope,” he said.
The creation of the Carbon Recoveries Awards was proposed as a joint initiative of the Climate Change Commission, Million Trees Foundation Inc. (MTFI) and other partner stakeholders. The awards are designed to recognize leaders in reforestation, carbon sequestration and sustainability across all sectors.
MTFI president and executive-director Melandrew Velasco said the awards represent a national commitment. “These awards will not just be citations,” Velasco said.
“They are commitments to a carbon-recovered Philippines — one that restores what it consumes and gives back more than it takes,” he said.
Velasco underscored the importance of measurable results, noting that since the Annual Million Trees Challenge began in 2017, more than 10.3 million trees have been planted across seven critical watersheds supplying water to Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal and Cavite.
The eleven partner institutions include the MTFI, Bulacan State University, EcoSaver Mutual Fund, Saakuru Labs, Bauertek Pharmaceutical Technologies, Alcom Carbon Markets Philippines, PEDECO, Mga Anak ni Inang Daigdig, Imelda Papin Foundation, Omtse Ventures and the Rotary Club of Makati Business District.
