Maynilad surpasses 2025 reforestation goal in Metro Manila

West Zone water concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) exceeded its 2025 reforestation target under the Plant for Life program, planting 185,995 seedlings—equivalent to 103 percent of its annual goal—across 451 hectares of critical watershed areas.

The reforestation efforts focused on the Ipo and La Mesa watersheds, which are crucial for the long-term sustainability of Metro Manila’s water supply. Beyond new plantings, Maynilad maintained approximately 1,295 hectares of previously developed sites from 2022 to 2024. Since the program’s launch, over 1.64 million trees have been planted across roughly 2,419.88 hectares of watershed areas.

Annual assessments conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 3 recorded an average tree survival rate of 91 percent in previously planted areas, demonstrating the effectiveness of sustained site protection.

“Planting is only the first step. What matters is sustained site protection so the trees can mature and strengthen the watershed,” said Atty. Roel S. Espiritu, Maynilad Chief Sustainability Officer.

In 2025, Maynilad partnered with the Mt. Balagbag Farmers Association and the Briquettor Association of the Philippines, and engaged volunteers from private companies and media groups to support its reforestation activities.

The Plant for Life program is part of Maynilad’s broader watershed protection strategy, designed to safeguard raw water sources and help ensure a stable water supply for communities within its concession area.

Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire in the Philippines by customer base. It serves as the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) concessionaire for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area, covering parts of Manila, Quezon City, Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon. Its service area also includes Cavite, Bacoor, Imus, and the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario in Cavite Province.