The launch of a new book on Philippine native trees has offered insight into the environmental philosophy that has shaped the Lopez Group’s business strategy, including the biodiversity and reforestation initiatives of some of the country’s largest renewable energy companies.

Speaking at the April 28 launch of “Philippine Native Trees 404: Rooted & Rising,” Federico R. Lopez, chairman and chief executive officer of First Philippine Holdings Corporation, said the group’s environmental stewardship was deeply influenced by his father, the late Oscar M. Lopez, and renowned botanist Leonard Co.

Their ideas continue to shape the restoration programs of First Gen Corporation and its geothermal subsidiary, Energy Development Corporation, whose Binhi program aims to plant 10 million native trees nationwide.

“In many ways, he [Leonard] helped shape our own reforestation journey at First Gen Geothermal. Because Leonard taught us something profound: that restoration is not simply planting trees. It is helping restore relationships — between species, between places, between people and the living systems that sustain them,” Lopez said.

The event, organized by Green Convergence at Club Filipino, marked the launch of the fourth volume in the *Philippine Native Trees* series.

The 980-page book combines botanical profiles, photographs, and essays covering 404 native tree species and promotes the use of indigenous trees as alternatives to exotic species in reforestation programs.

Stewardship as a business principle

Lopez said the roots of the group’s sustainability philosophy trace back to his father’s lifelong affinity for nature.

“My Dad had what I can only describe as a lifelong affair with trees, biodiversity, and nature. Even today, I vividly remember how my siblings and I grew up always surrounded by trees, animals and the outdoors,” he said.

After the 1986 EDSA Revolution, as Oscar Lopez rebuilt First Philippine Holdings, one of his first initiatives was to reforest denuded land in Bamban, Tarlac.

“Over time, that love for nature found its way into how we operate our businesses. We began seeing stewardship not as peripheral to enterprise, but central to it,” Lopez said.

That philosophy has since informed First Gen and EDC’s broader environmental initiatives, including watershed rehabilitation and forest restoration in areas surrounding geothermal facilities.

Native trees and climate resilience

Green Convergence President Victoria “Vicky” Segovia said native trees play a critical role in addressing environmental challenges.

“Our native trees are silent witnesses to our history, protectors of our biodiversity, and vital allies in our response to climate change,” she said.

She described the book as “a tangible response to today’s growing ecological challenges.”

Authors Jason Mansibang and Lillian Jennifer Rodriguez said the book was inspired by both Oscar Lopez and Leonard Co, whose work helped advance awareness of Philippine flora and conservation.

Rodriguez recalled Co’s commitment to mentoring others.

“Hindi niya tinago ang kaalaman…Ibinahagi niya ito sa susunod na henerasyon [He did not keep his knowledge to himself…he shared it for the next generation],” she said.

The bombax lesson

Lopez closed his remarks by recounting the story of a bombax tree planted by his father more than 50 years ago at the family’s ancestral home in San Juan.

Despite losing branches during major storms, the tree continued to regenerate.

“That bombax tree taught me early that legacy is not what we leave behind, but what we help continue growing,” Lopez said. “And perhaps that is one of the great lessons trees, and nature, teach. They remind us that life flourishes through reciprocity.”

How should biodiversity and ecosystem restoration factor into the sustainability strategies of Philippine energy companies?

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