Growing roots of change

(Ma. Thessa Ramos is one of this year’s recipients of the Philippine Resilience Awards 2024 from the Climate Change Commission. She is the founder of the Eastern Visayas Society of Native Tree Conservation, a reforestation movement in Leyte that uses native trees to bolster climate resilience.)

When Ma. Thessa Ramos ask students to name at least five native trees during workshops that she conducts, the collective silence speaks volumes. At best, students may name a handful cobbled together from their shared knowledge.

This unsettling reality drives Ramos’ advocacy for native tree conservation and ecological integrity. For her, it’s about more than just planting trees; it’s about educating the next generation, restoring biodiversity and fostering a deep-rooted connection to the environment.

Residing in Maasin, Leyte, Ramos has been involved in tree growing for as long as she can remember — even before she joined the Philippine Native Tree Enthusiasts (PNTE). She also advocates for resilient food systems, where trees also play a big factor.

Tree planting has become a family tradition. When her son, now 16, celebrated his first birthday, Ramos marked the occasion by planting a tree.

“It even led to conflicts with relatives who wanted to cut down trees on shared property,” she recalled.

In 2019, Ramos and her fellow PNTE members established a regional hub to address the challenges of convening a national-level network. It was also during this time that her project, Reforestation and School Arboreta for Climate Resilience Using Philippine Native Trees, was formalized.

The project’s mission is clear: to cultivate massive awareness about ecological integrity, a concept that Ramos feels is fading into depths.

Building arboreta

In Eastern Visayas, Ramos helps schools establish arboreta — gardens that house a variety of trees, shrubs and plants. So far, eight arboreta have been set up, though only four remain fully sustained, located in two national high schools and two elementary schools.

“We are still expanding. This is not a one-off project. First, there would be a workshop, then they would plant seedlings. There’s also a youth leadership workshop for accountability, where most participants who are graduating students, are taught how to pass on the project to the succeeding batches who will be in charge of taking care of the arboretums,” Ramos explained.

Beyond schools, Ramos also assists private individuals in setting up arboreta in their own homes. She envisions establishing certified nurseries of native trees in every province within their region by next year.

“There’s already one in Borongan, Eastern Samar. We’re hoping to expand to Biliran and other parts of Samar as well,” she said.

Ramos narrated how principals are often relieved to partner with her on climate change programs, with many schools having climate change curriculums, but principals often struggle to implement them effectively. Her proactive approach to supporting these programs, particularly through the planting of native trees, has been a welcome solution.

Restoration

Ramos emphasizes the concept of “restoration” over mere “reforestation” — a distinction she believes is often overlooked, leading to the failure of many reforestation projects. This approach, she said, is particularly vital in disaster-prone Eastern Visayas.

“Reforestation is often about planting mahogany or other foreign species. But restoration aims to bring back what was originally there, even if achieving the exact original state is impossible. It’s not just about making the area green again but about restoring biodiversity and the life that comes with it,” she stressed.

To guarantee the sustainability of her projects, Ramos emphasized the importance of forging partnerships with committed individuals and communities.

One of her key collaborators is TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers), a government program that provides temporary employment. Ramos works with TUPAD to connect individuals to networks that purchase seedlings, creating a livelihood opportunity for the participants.

Additionally, she also actively applies for grants to ensure the long-term sustainability of her projects, enabling her to expand and strengthen her initiatives.

Influencer

Ramos has long been dedicated to environmental protection, but she believes the focus should never be on being labeled as an “environmentalist.” For her, the work she does is simply part of being human, and it should go beyond any title.

When people ask if she’s a forester or an agriculturist because of her efforts, Ramos emphasizes that such responsibilities shouldn’t be confined to a specific profession.

“I don’t want it to be boxed like that. It’s not just about being called an environmentalist; this is something everyone should do, with or without the label.”

Having inspired countless young people, Ramos takes pride in knowing that many have pursued careers in conservation or biology.

“That’s the impact I strive for — that I’ve somehow influenced the youth to take on this journey. For me, that’s the most meaningful part.”

Ramos encourages individuals looking to start their environmental advocacy to begin with simple actions.

“Start within your circle, even within your family. Even something as simple as composting, bringing reusable bags, or buying deformed vegetables to avoid food waste — then talk to the people around you about the importance of these actions,” Ramos advised.