Environmental group Green Convergence recently launched the fourth volume of its “Philippine Native Trees” series, highlighting the importance of native trees in preserving biodiversity, culture, and environmental sustainability.
The 980-page book, “Philippine Native Trees 404: Rooted & Rising,” was launched on April 28 at Club Filipino. The publication features botanical information, photographs, personal stories, and a list of 404 native tree species recommended as alternatives to exotic trees.
Authors Jason Mansibang and Lillian Jennifer Rodriguez said the book was inspired by late environmental advocates Oscar M. Lopez and Leonard Co. Rodriguez described Co as a generous mentor who shared his knowledge of plants and trees to educate future generations.
Green Convergence president Victoria Segovia said the book aims to celebrate the country’s natural heritage and encourage environmental protection. She described native trees as important to biodiversity and climate change response efforts.
The launch also featured reflections from Federico “Piki” R. Lopez, chairman of First Philippine Holdings Corporation. Lopez shared how his father, Oscar Lopez, and botanist Leonard Co shaped his appreciation for nature and environmental stewardship.
Lopez said Co influenced the reforestation efforts of First Gen Corporation and Energy Development Corporation, particularly through EDC’s Binhi program, which aims to plant 10 million trees nationwide.
He emphasized that reforestation is more than planting trees, saying it is about restoring relationships between people, nature, and ecosystems.
Lopez also recalled how his father pursued reforestation projects after the 1986 EDSA Revolution, including restoring barren land in Bamban, Tarlac. According to him, these experiences helped shape their companies’ approach to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
He further shared the story of a bombax tree planted by his father over 50 years ago at their family home in San Juan. Despite losing branches during typhoons, the tree continued to survive and regrow, which Lopez described as a symbol of nature’s resilience and his father’s enduring legacy.
“The bombax tree taught me that legacy is not what we leave behind, but what we help continue growing,” Lopez said.
