The Aboitiz Group has partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other private sector organizations to help plant 10 million trees by 2028 under a major reforestation initiative initially launched as Forests for Life: 5M Trees by 2028.

The project, introduced on the International Day of Forests, was originally aimed at planting five million trees in six priority areas by 2028. However, following a memorandum of understanding signed during the launch, private sector partners — led by Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin Aboitiz — collectively raised their commitment to 10 million trees.

The DENR said the expanded goal supports long-term ecological restoration and climate resilience while enhancing biodiversity, water resources, and community livelihoods. The agency expects the initiative to sequester about 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide between 2025 and 2028, and up to 3.5 million tonnes by 2038.

Aboitiz emphasized the importance of cooperation between government, the private sector, and communities in addressing climate challenges.

“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.

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said the initiative is part of the agency’s broader goal to adopt a whole-of-society approach to forest restoration.

“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 Foundation will provide support for the initiative through its Carbon PH program, which focuses on large-scale reforestation in the Central Cebu Protected Landscape using nature-based solutions.

The group has previously planted over 12 million trees under its A-Park program and continues to support projects related to marine biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation.

The Forests for Life initiative builds on existing partnerships between the Aboitiz Group and DENR, including ongoing conservation efforts in the Verde Island Passage and marine turtle protection in Davao City and Batangas.