One of Antipolo City’s upland villages has been targeted for a massive tree‑planting project led by farmers’ groups and supported by volunteers.

A new 50-hectare plantation in Sitio Kilingan, Barangay San Jose -- one of the upland villages in Antipolo City -- is expected to transform lives by providing long-term economic security and vital climate protection.

Local farmers’ organization Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Kilingan-Panusugin, Inc. (SMKPI) spearheaded the initiative, planting 28,000 trees to strengthen development for mountain residents.

The project is anchored on a historic partnership that gives residents control of their financial future. A memorandum of agreement—the first pact between SMKPI and a private partner—was signed before the tree planting activity.

Around 100 SMKPI members joined employee volunteers in the event, which supports the national goal of planting at least five million trees nationwide by 2028.

Held under the theme “Plant a Tree, Make a Change Today!,” the initiative also supports the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Forest for Life (FFL) program.

Under the agreement, SMKPI will oversee the creation, growth, and long-term maintenance of the plantation. The project provides upland families with a steady source of income, since they can market the agricultural products they harvest.

Bryan Ulic-Ulic, Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) provincial coordinator, emphasized how the model puts people first to achieve environmental success.

“The motto of the CBFM is ‘People first and sustainability will follow,’ and this initiative will be one of our solutions for a sustainable environment,” Ulic-Ulic said.

Upland neighborhoods are highly vulnerable to harsh weather, landslides, and soil erosion. By planting native molave, white lauan, and soursop, the project builds a natural shield to protect generations of residents.

Residents, including senior citizens who volunteered in the recent tree propagation event, said many community members have already begun harvesting fruits from past tree planting activities.

Among their harvests were guyabano (soursop), pineapples, and other seasonal fruits planted years ago.

Barangay San Jose Chairman Dr. Montero Marquez Tolentino said they are grateful that groups and environment-minded individuals, including the youth, have partnered with their village in pro-environment initiatives to sustain fruit and vegetable production.

“Sa mga susunod na panahon, kapag lumaki na ang mga punong itinanim namin, ang mga bagong henerasyon ng kabataan ang tiyak na makikinabang sa mga pagtatanim na ganito dito sa Sitio Kilingan,” a resident said. (In the future, when the trees we planted grow, the new generations of youth will definitely benefit from tree planting activities like this here in Sitio Kilingan.)

Vena Energy, which partnered with SMKPI for the project, said the Antipolo site was carefully chosen for its ecological significance to the Greater Metro Manila area.

Aside from private groups, the provincial government under Gov. Nina Ricci Ynares and the Antipolo City Government led by Mayor Casimiro “Junjun” Ynares III regularly conduct tree planting activities as part of the capitol’s YES (Ynares to Eco System) program.