The Climate Change Commission, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Philippines, H.E. Mohamed Obaid Alzaabi, the Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc., and key climate action partners, reaffirmed their commitment to sustainability through a tree-growing activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve in Quezon City.

MANILA - In celebration of the 51st anniversary of bilateral relations between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Climate Change Commission (CCC), in partnership with the Embassy of the UAE, various national government agencies and the Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. (SFFI), planted indigenous trees at the La Mesa Nature Reserve to expand carbon sequestration areas and promote nature-based solutions to bolster climate resilience.
CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the tree-growing activity as a symbol of shared climate responsibility.

“This initiative is our joint responsibility to address climate change and protect our planet, reinforcing the importance of sustainable development of our bilateral cooperation. This will leave a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship for generations to come,” he said.

UAE Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Mohamed Obaid Salem Al Qattam Alzaabi likened the partnership to the resilience of the Narra tree.

“Like the Narra tree, a symbol of resilience and growth, our bilateral relations – rooted for over five decades in mutual respect, cooperation, core values, and shared thought – continue to flourish," Ambassador Alzaabi said.

“As we plant this tree today, may it stand for generations as a living symbol of our shared commitment to a greener, more sustainable future,” he added.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones also expressed his support.

“The Philippines continues to pursue a whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach in tackling the climate crisis. This event reflects that vision, one where international collaboration, inter-agency convergence, and community involvement are central to achieving long-term climate resilience,” he said.

Participants planted 100 Molave and Narra seedlings, native tree species that provide vital wildlife habitat and thrive in local ecosystems.

Highlighting the role of young people in climate action, the youth sector— represented  by National Youth Commission Chairperson Joseph Francisco R. Ortega — underscored their contribution in addressing the global crisis.

“No matter how strong you think the trees are, the storms are getting worse. There is really a need for us young people to understand the value of trees. It's even more timely now because the youth make up about 60% to 70% of our voters,” Ortega said, emphasizing the potential impact this large youth population can have if fully engaged.

The initiative was organized in collaboration with the DENR and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) under the Carbon Neutral Program (CNP) Convergence. The CNP Convergence facilitates a series of forestation initiatives, including tree growing activities, to increase the carbon sequestration capacity of the Philippine forests.

Launched by SFFI, the CNP implements forestation projects that promote sustainable forest management, ecological conservation, poverty alleviation, inclusive growth, and climate change mitigation.

The CNP Convergence, signed in June 2022, targets to plant 10 million trees by 2030.

The CCC, DENR, and PRC have adopted the program as part of the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent by 2030.

Also present were representatives from the  Quezon City local government and the Department of Foreign Affairs, as well as youth participants who showed their support for the program.

The CCC remains steadfast in working with partners to push forward climate action and promote a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines.

For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.