In celebration of World Biodiversity Day on May 22, 2026, Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI) formally turned over more than 3,600 native tree seedlings representing 16 indigenous species from its Punlang Katutubo Native Trees Nursery to Manila Water Foundation (MWF) for a major re-wilding initiative at La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City.
The ceremonial turnover marked a significant milestone in efforts to restore native forest ecosystems and strengthen biodiversity conservation in one of Metro Manila’s most important environmental and watershed areas.
As part of the ceremony, MFI presented a seven-year-old Mangkono (Xanthostemon verdugonianus) seedling—known as the Philippines’ premier ironwood species—to Manila Water Chairman Donato Almeda, MWF Board Member Arnold Montera, MWF Executive Director Reginald Andal, and MWF Head Forester Murphy Amparo. The symbolic presentation underscored the importance of preserving and propagating native tree species that contribute to ecosystem resilience and long-term environmental sustainability.
Leading the turnover on behalf of MFI were Trustees Gerard Salapantan and Pons Carpio, together with Executive Director Karen Agabin. Following the formal ceremony, representatives from both foundations participated in the planting of the initial 200 indigenous seedlings, marking the first phase of the re-wilding project.
The turnover followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among six sister foundations under the banner of Project Connect, a collaborative initiative aimed at advancing biodiversity conservation, water stewardship, sustainable livelihoods, environmental education, climate resilience, and research partnerships.
Project Connect seeks to harness the collective strengths and resources of participating organizations to generate greater impact in environmental protection and community development, while promoting long-term resilience among communities across the Philippines.
Signatories to the MOU include Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI), Manila Water Foundation (MWF), Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, ICTSI Foundation, Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, and Prime Infra Foundation.
Through this partnership, the six foundations reaffirm their shared commitment to safeguarding the country’s natural heritage and fostering collaborative solutions to pressing environmental challenges. The native tree seedling turnover and re-wilding initiative at La Mesa Ecopark stand as an early demonstration of Project Connect’s vision to create meaningful, measurable, and lasting benefits for both people and nature.
