The "A Thousand Forests" initiative. Photo courtesy of the UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources on Facebook

MANILA -- The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) College of Forestry and Natural Resources took the lead in Earth Day 2024 celebrations with the launch of "A Thousand Forests," a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing collaborative and impactful greening programs across the Philippines. 

At the heart of this initiative is an original musical film by I.Syoot Multimedia Production, designed to educate young generations about forests' crucial role in fighting the climate crisis. 

Dean Marlo Mendoza of UPLB's College of Forestry and Natural Resources unveiled the ambitious goal of establishing a thousand forests, nurtured through collective efforts from various stakeholders. 

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By 2050, the initiative targets to have planted and maintained 2 million hectares of forests. He said the La Mesa Eco Park is proof that proper “greening program” is doable and is planning to replicate that with the “A Thousand Forests” program. 

“We plan to expand that La Mesa is just one part it just a small but we have so much learning we think yung natutunan natin sa La Mesa we can replicate it but with different sectors, private, the academe, schools, NGO, LGU,” he said. 

The inauguration of the "A Thousand Forests" (ATF) program took place at the Ramon Magsaysay Center on Sunday, gathering leaders from diverse sectors like government, business, academia, and the diplomatic community, all uniting for environmental conservation causes. 

The late Gina Lopez inspired the program, with her brother Ernie Lopez, director for advocacy of ABS-CBN Foundation Incorporated, showing support during the launch event. 

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ATF, a collaborative effort led by UPLB-CFNR with support from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and co-founded by I.Syoot Multimedia, focuses on addressing the concerning lack of climate change awareness among Filipino youth, as highlighted by Jenie Chan, Executive Director of I.Syoot Multimedia. 

The Philippines, according to the United Nations, stands at the forefront of the climate crisis, disproportionately affecting children and leading to millions of displacements. Recognizing these challenges, the ATF program aims to bridge the awareness gap and inspire proactive climate actions among the youth. 

Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr., Chancellor of UP Los Baños, emphasized the university's dedication to addressing present and future environmental challenges, highlighting forestry's critical role in mitigating climate change impacts. 

"A Thousand Forests: The Movie," the flagship project under ATF, will premiere on Arbor Day, June 25, 2024, in selected Philippine cinemas. The film follows five teenagers exploring the Philippine Forest Camp, intertwining themes of self-discovery and environmental stewardship, brought to life through captivating music and cinematography. 

Directed by Hanz Florentino, former director of ABS-CBN Foundation's acclaimed ecotourism program, the movie aims to engage a wide audience, especially targeting school children from the fifth grade and above through nationwide block screenings. 

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“I have been very fortunate to work with Ma’am Gina Lopez, G Diaries. We travel around the Philippines and we have talked to real people who were victims of climate change. That's how we put them all together in this film,” Florentino said.