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 to restore the nation’s forests and safeguard its water future.
The shared commitment was once again demonstrated during the 2026 AMTC Recognition and Pledging Session held at Estancia de Lorenzo, in San Mateo, Rizal, 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 de Bay- are indispensable to the country’s water security, biodiversity conservation, flood mitigation, and climate resilience.
Celebrating partnership
WITH 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.
Awards crafted from reclaimed wood by the CP3 Carpentry Shop inside the Million Trees Nursery and Eco-Learning Center were presented to organizations and individuals whose contributions have sustained the movement through the years. 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 Department of Environment Region IV-A Office, 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.
Environment champions
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, Jowell P. Dellosa of the DENR Tarlac office, Nicandro Linao of Sta. Clara International Corporation, Arthur Araña of QBE Group Shared Services Centre, Josephine dela Cerna of Grundfos IS Support and Operations Centre Philippines, and Green Media Events Company Inc.
The event also recognized partners through the Kasangga ng Kalikasan, Kaagapay ng MTFI, and the newly launched Tinig ng Kalikasan Award, honoring media organizations and journalists who have consistently championed environmental awareness.
Among those cited were the BusinessMirror and BusinessMirror environment reporter Jonathan L. Mayuga.
The other awardees are the Daily Tribune, Manila Standard, A2Z-Light TV, Bilyonaryo, Star FM, Fred Gabot, Bettina Fernandez, Ben Cal, Jordeene B. Lagare, Brilliant Jerk Productions, and Media Touchstone Ventures Inc.
Environmental Stewardship 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.
Trees as public servant
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.’ Expanding the Movement During the ceremony, MTFI President and Executive Director Melandrew T. Velasco formally welcomed Rotary International District 3780, headed by District Governor Rhyan G. Virrey, as one of the foundation’s newest strategic partners. He noted that Rotary’s decision to include Protecting the Environment among its Seven Areas of Focus demonstrates the growing global recognition that environmental sustainability is inseparable from public health, peacebuilding, education, and economic development.
Velasco likewise welcomed the EDL Group of Companies and the EDL Foundation, describing every new partner as another pillar strengthening the country’s environmental movement.
Closing the program, AMTC founder and MTFI Chairman Emeritus Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco (Ret.) looked beyond current accomplishments toward even more ambitious goals. ‘Our target of 15 million trees by 2030 is on track,’ he said.