ACEN Supports DENR’s ‘Forests for Life: 5M Trees’ Reforestation Plan

ACEN Corp, Ayala Group’s listed energy platform, has pledged its support for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) “Forests for Life: 5 Million Trees by 2028” initiative. This national reforestation program aims to plant and grow five million trees across key provinces, including Ilocos Norte, in an effort to sequester 3.5 million tons of carbon by 2038.

In a statement shared via its official Facebook page, ACEN highlighted that this commitment aligns with the company’s ongoing environmental efforts. 

“For us at ACEN, this pledge builds on the momentum of our own reforestation program, having recently achieved our 1 million trees target by 2025 ahead of schedule — because when it comes to the planet, #MoreIsPossible,” the company stated.

The “Forests for Life” initiative, formally launched by the DENR on March 21, 2025, underscores the importance of reforestation in enhancing climate resilience and ensuring sustainable forest management. According to DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, the program targets areas prone to flooding and watershed degradation, offering a holistic approach to address climate change impacts while fostering biodiversity and improving community livelihoods.

The program’s initial phase, set to begin in 2025, will focus on site preparation, partner mobilization, seedling production, and plantation establishment across key provinces such as Ilocos Norte, Rizal, Leyte, Bataan, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Norte. Maintenance, protection, and evaluation phases will follow through 2028 to ensure the long-term sustainability of the reforested areas.

ACEN’s pledge forms part of a larger collaborative effort involving public and private sector stakeholders, including other Ayala Group entities such as BPI and Globe Telecom. The initiative aligns with the DENR’s broader Expanded National Greening Program (ENGP), which aims to rehabilitate degraded land and improve the resilience of approximately 6.8 million hectares of watershed areas currently at risk of deforestation.

What are your thoughts on ACEN’s commitment to the ‘Forests for Life’ initiative? Share your views and join the conversation on how public-private partnerships can drive climate action.