The Aboitiz Group has partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and several Philippine companies for a major reforestation initiative, committing to plant at least five million trees by 2028.
The DENR event initially launched with a commitment to plant 5 million trees by 2028 across six priority areas. However, before the event concluded, the pledge had doubled to 10 million trees, reflecting the growing dedication of both public and private sectors to accelerating reforestation efforts and enhancing environmental sustainability.
On the International Day of Forests, Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer Sabin 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.
Sabin Aboitiz underscored the importance of partnership between public and private sectors for forest restoration and enhancing the ability of communities to adapt to climate change.
“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.
Sec. Loyzaga emphasized that a collaborative approach—integrating shared expertise, resources, and community engagement—is vital to the initiative’s long-term 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 unit, indigenous peoples and local communities and advocates,” she said.
The Aboitiz Group, through the Aboitiz Foundation, will provide critical resources, expertise, and community engagement to ensure the project’s long-term success.
“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.
In addition to restoring biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and improving community livelihoods, Forests for Life prioritizes carbon sequestration. The program aims to capture 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ between 2025 and 2028, with a long-term target of 3.5 million tonnes by 2038.
Forests for Life builds on the Aboitiz Group’s longstanding partnership with the DENR in advancing climate action and ecological restoration. One of the Aboitiz Foundation’s flagship projects, Carbon PH, focuses on large-scale reforestation of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) and using nature-based solutions to reduce carbon emissions.
The Aboitiz Group and DENR have also collaborated on the protection of the Verde Island Passage, recognized as the world’s center of marine shore fish biodiversity, as well as marine turtle conservation efforts in Davao City and Batangas.
Through these collective efforts, the Aboitiz Group reaffirms its commitment to nation-building and environmental sustainability, ensuring that the country’s natural resources are protected and preserved for generations to come.
