Nine years after a bold vision to plant one million trees annually was launched, the Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC) has evolved into one of the country’s largest and most enduring environmental partnerships, bringing together government agencies, private corporations, civil society organizations, media institutions, and thousands of volunteers united by a common mission—to restore the nation’s forests and safeguard its water future.
That shared commitment was once again demonstrated during the 2026 AMTC Recognition and Pledging Session held at Estancia de Lorenzo, where partners pledged to plant 1,524,640 additional trees, reinforcing confidence that the program will achieve—and possibly exceed—its long-term target of 15 million trees by 2030.
Jointly spearheaded by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI), the program has grown from 1.51 million trees planted in 2017 to more than 13.1 million trees thriving across seven major watersheds that sustain Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
Those watersheds—including Angat, Ipo, La Mesa, Upper Marikina, Kaliwa, Umiray, and Laguna Lake—are indispensable to the country’s water security, biodiversity conservation, flood mitigation, and climate resilience.
Bearing the theme “The Legacy We Grow: Celebrating Partnerships, Sustaining Futures,” this year’s gathering underscored the idea that environmental restoration succeeds only when institutions work together.
The prestigious Kampeon ng Tubig Kanlungan Award recognized institutions that have demonstrated exemplary leadership in watershed protection while planting at least 10,000 trees. Honorees included DENR Region IV-A, DENR Region III, Maynilad Water Services, Inc., MWSS Corporate Office, Laguna Lake Development Authority, Sta. Clara International Corporation, Manila Water Company, Inc., DENR-NCR, MWSS Regulatory Office, Luzon Clean Water Development Corporation, and the World Wildlife Fund.
The Kampeon ng Kalikasan Award recognized organizations that have advanced climate action, ecological restoration, and community-based sustainability beyond tree planting. Environmental Leadership Awards were conferred on leaders including Ramon S. Ang of San Miguel Corporation, Ramoncito S. Fernandez of Maynilad, MWSS Administrator Leonor C. Cleofas, Dr. Jowell P. Dellosa of DENR PENRO Tarlac, Nicandro Linao of Sta. Clara International Corporation, Arthur Araña of QBE Group Shared Services Centre, Josephine Dela Cerna of Grundfos IS Support & Operations Centre Philippines, and Green Media Events Company, Inc.
Keynote speaker Manila Vice Mayor Angela “Chi” Atienza highlighted Manila City’s initiative to plant 100,000 bamboo trees along riverbanks and Roxas Boulevard, describing bamboo as a practical solution for flood control, cleaner air, and climate adaptation.
She expressed hope that more cities would adopt similar nature-based initiatives that combine environmental protection with urban resilience.
Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas echoed the same message, describing every tree as “a public servant” because it quietly provides oxygen, absorbs carbon dioxide, minimizes flooding, and teaches younger generations the values of patience, responsibility, and stewardship.
“When we plant trees,” Vargas said, “we invest in our children and in the future of our communities.”
As the ceremony concluded, the newly signed pledges represented more than another million saplings waiting to be planted.
They represented renewed confidence that through sustained partnerships, collective action, and long-term stewardship, the Philippines can restore its forests, secure its watersheds, and leave future generations an enduring legacy rooted in hope, resilience, and environmental responsibility.
