Spending time in nature is good for one’s health
Did you know that planting trees all over the country will ensure a continued supply of water for the present generation and the generations to come?
After seven years since 2017, we are on track to plant 15 million trees by 2030. The success of the AMTC (Annual Million Trees Challenge) is the result of a shared vision for healthy watersheds and environmental conservation and protection,” said retired General Reynaldo V. Velasco, AMTC founder and chairman emeritus of Million Trees Foundation Inc. (MTFI). He announced this at the annual meeting of collaborators last July 2 at the Celebrity Sports Plaza Ballroom in Quezon City.
MTFI is dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of seven critical watersheds: Angat, Ipo, Kaliwa, La Mesa, Laguna Lake, Umiray, and Upper Marikina. It has also conducted regular tree-planting and environmental conservation projects for Manila Bay. The main focus is to promote and sustain the Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC).
The first Annual Million Tree Challenge was launched on Feb. 18, 2017 by then MWSS administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco. They are advocating bamboo planting along river banks; and narra and ylang-ylang (cananga odorata) trees in the other areas. The planting of bamboos along the riverbanks in Marikina and Laguna Lake will help absorb excess water, cut soil losses, and minimize soil erosion. While tree-planting is its focus, the foundation is also into the creation of livelihood opportunities.
MTFI president and executive director Mel T. Velasco, who successfully battled colon cancer after two major surgeries in August 2023 and January 2024, was brimming with gratitude not only for being declared cancer-free but also for the stewardship of this worthy undertaking. He shared: “Life is like a tree. Every leaf is a dream, it may be big or small. When the leaves fall, dreams disappear but when the trees have new leaves, life has new wonderful things. One must just learn how to wait and have faith. Being with trees is also a source of longevity for time spent among trees is never a wasted time. With the dream walk trail I envision at La Mesa watershed, a walk in nature will walk the soul back home.”
He added, “I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all our troubles. So I ponder and realize that the true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit and find solace.”
Though I am familiar with the program, it was my first time to be involved and witness the annual pledging process.
Velasco explained how we are on our way to 15 million trees since the program started in 2017. The maiden year yielded 1,337,800 newly planted trees. Followed by 1,027,467 in 2018 and 1,022,917 in 2019. Due to the pandemic, the number dipped to 633,442 in 2020, which bounced back to 1,190,718 in 2021. Trees planted from pledges reached 1,657,481 in 2022, then 1,386,921 in 2023, and a record high 2.7 million in 2024. While new pledges for 2025 came in during the celebratory lunch, not all collaborators were present to tally the final 2025 pledge. Altogether, that is almost 11 million trees.
Did you know that planting trees all over the country will ensure a continued supply of water for the present generation and the generations to come? That is the basic inspiration for many organizations and corporations to join the annual tree-planting program. Present that day were officers of the Champion of Trees: DENR (planted 288,360 in 2024), Maynilad (222,280), Laguna Lake Development Authority (148,182), World Wide Fund or WWF (125,200), Manila Water (118,000), Napocor (86,750), MWSS (80,000), Luzon Clean Water Development Corporation (60,000), PRC (43,926), DENR Region 3 (42,284), DENR NCR (40,000), MWSS RO (26,000).
Major collaborators include San Miguel Corporation, Grundfos, QBE, Sta. Clara International, The Raya School, New World Hotel, RTI International, Hino Motors, Netflix Philippines, Philippine College of Chest Physicians, Banco De Oro, ING, Task Us, Christian Dior, Mead Johnson, Fonterra, Nestle Philippines, Philippine Veterans Bank, Jardine Schindler Philippines, Rotary Club, and JCI Senate Philippines, among many others.
Velasco shared that their next big project is “The Walk Trail” at La Mesa Watershed. This is inspired by the concept of “forest bathing” or shinrin-yoku, a Japanese tradition of relaxation by being calm and silent among trees, observing nature, and breathing deeply. This method of de-stressing boosts health and well-being.
Kaiser Permanente even reported that forest bathing can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and the level of harmful hormones. Time magazine also featured reports about the real benefits of forest bathing, while National Geographic said that time spent in nature is good for one’s health.
Meanwhile, Velasco said that there are already amenities you can enjoy at the La Mesa Watershed. The “Circle of Life” is the majestic chair in a beautiful garden with a view of the forest. There is also an outdoor grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and Padre Pio plus the QBE Green Sanctuary Park. There’s Al Fresco dining and Yakal Coffee as well as a gift shop for souvenir items from local producers. There’s a plant nursery if you want to purchase trees for planting. Fancy mixing business with advocacy? You can rent the Executive Room (15 pax capacity), Eddie’s Barn (up to 40 pax), or the Roof Deck (20 pax) for your meetings or small events.
Remember, “For water to keep flowing, trees must keep growing.” Check out milliontrees.org.ph for more information.
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