The Million Trees Foundation Inc. (MTFI) has urged Congress to institutionalize a National Million Trees Program to strengthen reforestation, watershed protection and climate resilience across the Philippines.
The proposal was presented during a March 11 hearing of the House Special Committee on Reforestation. MTFI chairman emeritus Gen. Reynaldo Velasco (Ret.) submitted the foundation’s position paper to the committee, chaired by Tarlac Rep. Noel Rivera.
The hearing tackled several proposed measures, including the Graduation Legacy Act, Family Tree Planting Act, Green Measures Act and amendments to the Arbor Day Act of 2012.
MTFI expressed support for the measures while recommending improvements to ensure higher survival rates. For the Graduation Legacy Act, the foundation suggested that schools collaborate with environmental groups and local government units on site selection and monitoring. Regarding the Green Measures Act, which requires tree-planting plans for infrastructure projects, MTFI noted the policy could significantly mitigate urban heat and carbon emissions.
As its key recommendation, MTFI urged lawmakers to adopt a national framework focusing on restoring forests in critical watersheds and river basins. The foundation noted the program should be anchored on the country’s 421 principal river basins and more than 100 critical watersheds.
The organization emphasized that reforestation must shift from “tree planting” to “tree growing,” focusing on long-term survival through community stewardship and post-planting monitoring.
Members of Congress welcomed the foundation’s input. Capiz Rep. Jane Castro underscored the importance of selecting appropriate species, while ABAMIN Party-list Rep. Maximo Rodriguez commended the foundation’s ability to mobilize private sector partnerships.
Velasco noted that MTFI’s accomplishments are driven by collaboration with agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and private partners. He cited support from San Miguel Corp. chairman and chief executive Ramon Ang, as well as Maynilad, Santa Clara International Corp., QBE Insurance and Grundfos Philippines.
MTFI president Melandrew Velasco, in a statement from California, said large-scale tree growing is essential to environmental security.
“Protecting our watersheds and restoring our forests is not merely an environmental concern — it is a national development imperative,” Velasco said. “A National Million Trees Program will mobilize all sectors toward a shared goal of safeguarding water resources for future generations.”
The foundation is also preparing for “A Run for Million Trees,” an environmental advocacy event scheduled for April 11 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, coinciding with the goals of Earth Day 2026.
