Article by:
Ben Cal
MANILA – The Million Trees Foundation (MTFI) on Wednesday welcomed the support extended by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), naming it Forest Champion Partner in protecting the environment, particularly watershed areas in the country.
MTFI President and Executive Director Melandrew Velasco said major institutions like PAGCOR play a vital role in building climate resilience and “their partnership strengthens our collective effort to restore forests and secure water for future generations.”
Velasco thanked PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Operating Officer Alejandro Tengco in supporting the project
“Chairman Tengco’s leadership reflects a vision of shared responsibility—where public institutions actively participate in safeguarding the country’s watersheds that supply water to Metro Manila and adjoining provinces,” he said in a statement.
Velasco said MTFI has organized the Earth Day fun run in Manila on April 11 at the Quirino Grandstand to mobilize thousands of Filipinos in support of watershed rehabilitation and large-scale reforestation.
He said PAGCOR’s partnership with Million Trees Foundation underscores the agency’s expanding corporate social responsibility agenda—demonstrating that beyond its regulatory mandate, it remains deeply invested in programs that protect natural resources and uplift communities.
As Forest Champion Partner, PAGCOR’s support will directly help fund the propagation of native tree seedlings in accredited nurseries; tree-growing, re-bagging and site preparation activities; monitoring and maintenance programs to ensure long-term tree survival; and, community-based environmental awareness initiatives.
“A Run for a Million Trees is expected to gather thousands of environmental advocates, corporate partners, civic organizations, youth groups, and families in a unified call to action for sustainability,” Velasco said.
“With PAGCOR stepping forward as Forest Champion Partner, the message is clear: environmental protection is a national priority—one that requires collaboration across sectors.”
Registration is still ongoing until March 20. Interested runners may visit the Million Trees Foundation Facebook page for details.
The MTFI is a non-profit organization dedicated to watershed rehabilitation and environmental sustainability through large-scale tree-growing, nurturing and monitoring programs in critical watershed areas. (PNA)
Log in with Google