This partnership is another beacon of hope that MTFI will be able to achieve its goal of 10 million more trees planted by 2030
Six years ago, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage Services which I headed as Administrator — launched the Annual Million Trees Challenge and pledged to help rehabilitate seven critical watersheds that impact on water supply in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
Our endeavor was supported by the private sector and different stakeholders.
Today, we are seeing the fulfillment of this commitment with AMTC surpassing its target of planting one million trees annually with about 6.8 million trees planted so far — in the last six years in several watersheds: La Mesa, Angat, Ipo, Upper Marikina, Laguna Lake, Kaliwa, Umiray, and even Manila Bay.
Thanks in part to my successor, Engr. Leonor “Bobby” Cleofas, the Iron Lady of MWSS who holds the distinction of having risen from the ranks to head the water agency.
To Administrator Bobby’s credit and with the concessionaires and DENR, like Regional Executive Director Jackie Caancan, they have continued to pursue and support this noble project.
I am also glad to see OIC DENR NCR Mr. Pacis joining us in today’s event.
The Annual Million Trees Challenge started as a five-year project and to sustain this noble project, civic-minded individuals established the Million Trees Foundation.
As an advocate of environment protection and see the continuity of the project, I have joined the Million Trees Foundation as its Chairman Emeritus.
In its unwavering commitment to achieve its goals, Million Trees Foundation has partnered with various organizations that share its vision and objectives.
Reforestation requires huge investments not only financial, but manpower, and technical know-how as well. While we already have institutional partners, a new partner is always welcome.
What the Million Trees Foundation has achieved so far is a testament to the power of partnership.
When organizations come together for a common cause, a synergy is created that helps transform lives including those of local communities – in this case, those residing near watersheds.
Today is a special day for MTFI as it welcomes a new institutional partner, Nestle Philippines, Inc. – the Good Food, Good Life company.
A Memorandum of Agreement will be signed between MTFI and Nestle to formalize its collaboration for the next three years and beyond.
Nestle joins San Miguel Corporation/Bulacan Bulk Water, Maynilad, Manila Water/Manila Water Foundation and Santa Clara International among MTFI’s institutional partners.
This gratefully acknowledges the generosity of SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang who contributes P5 million annually to the Million Trees Foundation with the two concessionaires – Maynilad through President Mon Fernandez and Manila Water through President Jocot de Dios — contributing P1 million each yearly.
We need at least 12 million a year to sustain MTFI’s operational requirement and another 100 million for its ambitions program of developing this place a tourism hub for Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
Over the last two years, whatever land development, infrastructure, improvements and activities you see here at the Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center covering five hectares have been funded largely by these three MWSS concessionaires.
We have judiciously used their resources for the benefit of our stakeholder partners and network of volunteers.
Today also marks another milestone as Nestle Philippines launches its Project Kasambuhay Forest with a massive tree-growing activity here at the La Mesa watershed under this new partnership with Million Trees Foundation.
Nestle personnel and volunteers will plant 5,250 saplings with about 400 volunteers to serve as Green Army Brigade members.
We thank MWSS and DENR NCR for allocating another 20 hectares adjoining MTFI’s 5- hectare lot for our tree planting enhancements.
On board our next flagship projects will be a walk trail covering these areas to connect it to the Arboretum which we intend to further improve with DENR and other entities.
At this juncture, allow me to acknowledge on behalf of MTFI President and Executive Director Melandrew T. Velasco who is in California for some networking activities, the presence of Nestle SVP & Head of Corporate Affairs Mr. Jose Uy III, Nestle Head of Supply Chain & Procurement Mr. Anderson Martins, Ms. Arlene Bantoto, Ms. Krisma Indira Ria Guyala, Ms. Veronica Carmen Cruz and Mr. Olaf Miguel Bautista.
This partnership is another beacon of hope that MTFI will be able to achieve its goal of 10 million more trees planted by 2030 or at least 15 million since 2017 to insure healthy watersheds for water security and quality.
Hopefully MTFI which has a life span of 50 years can continue with more vigor its advocacy of helping a Green Philippines.
(Editor’s Note: Excerpts from the Welcome Remarks of the author, a retired police general and chairman emeritus of the Million Trees Foundation Inc. in Friday’s ceremonies at the MTFI Nursery and Eco Learning Center, La Mesa. Quezon City).