Last week, Epson Philippines brought members of the media out to Masungi Georeserve in Rizal for a day of hiking, tree nurturing, and learning about conservation work in the heart of the Sierra Madre foothills.

The day began with a steep trek along Masungi’s Legacy Trail under the hot sun — a challenge that tested stamina as the group made its way up winding paths and rocky terrain.

Even as the heat climbed and legs tired, the group kept going, driven by a shared sense of purpose and curiosity about the day ahead.

When we reached the designated site, the first thing that struck everyone was the view — wide open valleys and lush greenery stretching into the distance, a striking reward after the climb.

With guidance from Masungi staff, we learned about the area’s history: parts of this once‑forested landscape were damaged by fires, deforestation, and neglect, and efforts like this help restore native vegetation and strengthen the watershed.

The tree nurturing itself wasn’t just symbolic. Alongside a fellow media participant, this writer helped the young native trees thrive; we engaged in mulching and weeding, clearing invasive grass that competes for nutrients, and soil aeration, ensuring the roots had the best chance to grow strong and resilient. 

Throughout our hikes up and back down, our guide shared insights on the plants, birds, and wildlife that make Masungi’s forests their home — from endemic trees to the insects and birds that rely on them.

That deeper understanding made both the climb and the work feel meaningful in a way that goes beyond a single event.