The Aboitiz Group and other companies, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), pledged to plant 10 million trees by 2028 in a reforestation initiative, doubling an initial commitment.
The DENR event, held on the International Day of Forests, began with a target of planting 5 million trees by 2028 across six priority areas. The pledge was later doubled, reflecting increased public and private sector commitment to reforestation and environmental sustainability.
Aboitiz Group president and chief executive Aboitiz joined private sector partners in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga for the “Forests for Life: 5M Trees by 2028” project.
Aboitiz noted the importance of public-private partnerships for forest restoration and climate change adaptation.
“At Aboitiz, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Through the Aboitiz Foundation, we commit to supporting this program by not just planting trees but taking care of them, engaging with local communities and working with law enforcement to protect these vital ecosystems,” he said.
Loyzaga said a collaborative approach, integrating expertise, resources, and community engagement, was crucial for the initiative’s success.
“We realize that forest restoration must be a collaborative effort. The DENR, since the beginning of this administration, has indeed adopted a whole-of-society and transdisciplinary approach that will include all efforts and contributions from partners, including the private sector, local government units, indigenous peoples and local communities and advocates,” she said.
The Aboitiz Group, through its Aboitiz Foundation, said it would provide resources, expertise and community engagement.
“On our end, we planted 12 million trees in just four years for our A-Park program. Our new green Carbon Project will plant at least 5 million trees over the next few years in Cebu and is registered as part of this DENR program. This initiative is critical because it also protects the one and only water source of the province,” said Aboitiz.
The “Forests for Life” program prioritizes carbon sequestration, aiming to capture 500,000 tons of CO₂ between 2025 and 2028, with a long-term target of 3.5 million tons by 2038.
The initiative builds on the Aboitiz Group’s existing partnership with the DENR on climate action and ecological restoration.
The Aboitiz Foundation’s “Carbon PH” project focuses on large-scale reforestation of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) and nature-based carbon emission reduction.