ASSIST and IBM Philippines Plant 1,000 Native Trees at Million Trees, La Mesa Watershed

Quezon City, Philippines - August 20, 2026 - In a major boost to local reforestation efforts, 1,000 native saplings have been planted at Million Trees in the La Mesa Watershed through a joint initiative by IBM Philippines and Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST). One hundred employee volunteers from IBM’s Eastwood and UP TechnoHub offices planted three native species - Bignay, Malabulak, and Narra - along La Mesa Road, Novaliches, Quezon City as part of the "IBM Stronger Together: Tree Planting" program. 

The initiative directly supports Million Trees Foundation Inc.'s ongoing partnership with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) under its Annual Million Trees Challenge, aiming to combat soil erosion, prevent forest denudation, and restore critical watershed ecosystems across the region. 

Million Trees conducted a practical orientation on proper sapling care and field safety, preparing the volunteers before they stepped into their assigned planting zones. Guided by these best practices, each volunteer planted at least 10 seedlings during the activity.

ASSIST and Million Trees Foundation led event operations, overseeing volunteer transportation, registration, and safety to deliver a smooth and productive planting day. In its role as a CSR implementing partner, ASSIST leverages these collaborative volunteer projects to drive broad-scale regional initiatives in reforestation, disaster risk reduction, and community livelihoods.

Visit www.assistasia.org to explore CSR opportunities with ASSIST.

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ASSIST (Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation) is a self-sustaining pan-Asian NGO working at the intersection of social impact and sustainable transformation. True to its role as a Partner for Progress, ASSIST collaborates with corporate and institutional funders to deliver co-created initiatives as well as award-winning flagship programs that convert social investments into lasting local capacity. Explore our work and partner with us: www.assistasia.org