About 200 volunteers from ASEZ WAO (Save the Earth from A to Z – We Are One), the young adult worker volunteer group of the World Mission Society Church of God (General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol, hereinafter the Church of God), planted 200 tree seedlings along the Marikina River on July 26 as part of its Mother’s Forest Project, an initiative aimed at expanding green spaces, enhancing biodiversity, and helping address the effects of climate change.
Tree planting is widely recognized as one of the most effective ways to help mitigate climate change by producing oxygen, lowering air temperatures, and filtering particulate matter and other pollutants from the air.
An ASEZ WAO representative said, “We launched the Mother’s Forest project to make the earth greener by planting 8 billion trees—one for every person on the planet—with a mother’s heart devoted to her family’s well-being.” He added, “Our members and local residents have participated together in this project conducted worldwide as part of the global greening efforts, demonstrating the power of solidarity and cooperation.”
Around 200 volunteers from Marikina, Quezon City, and nearby areas spent their day planting a variety of native and fruit-bearing tree species, including queen’s crape myrtle, balitbitan, molave, jackfruit, wax apple, and java plum, helping enhance biodiversity. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) provided the seedlings in support of the initiative.
Barangay Nangka captain Celso Delas Armas Jr. expressed his gratitude, saying, “We sincerely thank ASEZ WAO for their support, cooperation, and unity in planting trees for the environment. This initiative is a great help to Barangay Nangka, especially in helping reduce the risk of flooding as the trees continue to grow. On behalf of the Barangay Council, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to ASEZ WAO.”
Barangay Nangka kagawad John-John Felix addressed the participants, saying, “We wholeheartedly thank ASEZ WAO for bringing this meaningful environmental program to Barangay Nangka. Since many parts of Marikina are affected by flooding during heavy rains, this tree-planting activity will help protect our environment and serve as a long-term contribution to flood prevention.”
April Hermosa, 24, who had just finished planting trees, shared, “I’m grateful to be part of this activity because every tree we plant today is an investment in a greener and healthier future. I hope more people will join efforts like this to care for our environment.”
Ronna Gregorio, 28, stated, “Today’s tree planting reminded me that even small actions can create meaningful change when people work together. I hope the trees we planted will continue to grow and benefit future generations.”
ASEZ WAO has carried out the Mother’s Forest Project in various locations across the Philippines, including the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park in Metro Manila, Balugo Falls in Tacloban City, Leyte, and the Dinanggasan River Watershed in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.
The group also conducts environmental campaigns through the Green Earth Project, which focuses on cleaning downtown areas, parks, and forests; the Blue Ocean Project, which targets the cleanup of streams, rivers, and beaches; and the No More GPGP Project, which promotes reducing plastic use.
Beyond environmental initiatives, ASEZ WAO volunteers have visited elementary and high schools to paint murals and children’s homes to spend time with and encourage children.
In recognition of its contributions to local communities, ASEZ WAO has received certificates of recognition and certificates of appreciation from the governor of Davao del Sur; the DENR Sarangani Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office; the provincial prosecutor of Leyte; and the mayors of Baguio, Cebu, Caloocan, and Baybay.
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