Ayala Group joins national push to plant 5

Ayala Group joins national push to plant 5 | Daily Tribune

The Ayala Group is boosting reforestation efforts in support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ goal of planting and maintaining five million trees by 2028.

Through the Forests for Life program, Ayala Corporation and its business units; ACEN, Ayala Land Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Globe Telecom Inc. are committing land, resources, and long-term care for newly planted trees. The partnership was sealed during a ceremonial signing on 31 July.

“It is only through collaborating with government and similar-minded peers in the private sector can we truly create a natural environment that every Filipino deserves. May this partnership be a template of many more meaningful engagements with the DENR to advance the welfare of the environment and promote the responsible use of our natural resources,” said Ayala Corporation Vice Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala.

The Forests for Life initiative, launched in March 2025, is one of the government’s flagship efforts to restore degraded ecosystems, improve water supply, reduce emissions, and build stronger communities in the face of climate risks. Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla noted that only 24 percent of the country’s forest cover remains, making the reforestation drive even more urgent.

“The DENR’s partnership with the Ayala Group of Companies is a powerful affirmation that sustainable development is a shared responsibility,” Lotilla said. “Through the Forests for Life: 5 Million Trees by 2028 Program, we are combining science and community stewardship to restore critical ecosystems and secure our future. Together, we are not just planting trees, we are investing in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive growth for generations to come.”

This collaboration forms part of the Ayala Group’s broader commitment to sustainability. The company is working toward net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and continues to integrate environmental, social, and governance practices across its operations. As of the end of 2024, Ayala reported $6.2 billion in sustainable financing.