RAFI One To Tree Champions Sustainability at 3rd Ka-Treebu Assembly 

Celebrating the shared commitment to reforestation and biodiversity sustainability, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.'s One To Tree (RAFI OTT) Program successfully hosted the 3rd Ka-Treebu Assembly on October 24, 2025, at the Pontefino Hotel in Batangas City. Anchored on the theme, "United We Grow, Legacy We Sow," the event gathered 116 participants from 43 organizations, uniting key representatives from national government agencies, local government units, people’s organizations, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.

Following the first two assemblies in Cebu, this annual Ka-Treebu Assembly was held in Batangas for the first time, signifying the program's expansion across the Philippines. This powerfully highlights the partnerships that nurture growth today and shape the environmental legacy for future generations, underscoring the collective commitment that continues to strengthen RAFI One To Tree’s vital environmental initiatives. 

The program opened with welcome remarks by David Mikel Aboitiz, RAFI OTT Champion, and an inspirational message from the Provincial Governor of Batangas, Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, setting the tone for a day focused on collaboration and a unified effort toward environmental stewardship.

Government agencies, LGUs, and community partners presented updates on forest protection, climate policies, and coastal resilience, highlighting how national directives and local actions are coming together to safeguard ecosystems. The sessions also featured sustainability practices—from shifting to more resilient farming systems and strengthening community-led forest management, to advancing livelihood initiatives and private-sector climate action—showing how unified efforts drive long-term environmental progress. This was followed by Ka-Treebu Talk, a space where participants actively engaged with our speakers through an open question-and-answer portion, allowing deeper conversations, clarifications, and shared learning on environmental stewardship. RAFI One To Tree also presented its annual performance report, showcasing milestones and gains achieved with partner communities over the past year.

Honoring Our Ka-Treebu Champions 

The Ka-Treebu Partner Recognition aims to recognize organizations and institutions that have committed to creating a greener environment and more resilient communities, and who continue advocating and inspiring others to do the same. The recognition honors the partners from various sectors who, through their consistent efforts to restore and protect the environment, reflect the same ideals and values and share in the vision and mission that the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. upholds, thereby making an invaluable impact in environmental conservation. 

The Ka-Treebu Advocate Award recognizes people’s organizations, non-government organizations, and cooperatives that have strengthened community-based mangrove and upland reforestation initiatives. Through consistent capacity building and on-the-ground commitment, they help ensure the planting, nurturing, and long-term sustainability of our forests. 

The Ka-Treebu Steward Award is given to partner with local government units and national agencies that work closely with RAFI to bridge gaps in reforestation. By aligning tree-growing activities with local forest development plans and best practices, they uphold the mission of long-term environmental conservation and protection. 

The Ka-Treebu Collaborator Award honors corporate partners whose advocacy, resources, and sustained support have enabled the planting and nurturing of millions of trees across Cebu, Batangas, and Davao. Their contributions have strengthened both environmental efforts and community livelihood opportunities. 

To honor everyone recognized during the Ka Treebu Assembly, the full list of awardees can be found at the end of this article. 

"United We Grow, Legacy We Sow”  

RAFI OTT duly recognized the invaluable contributions of community groups, government partners, and corporate allies whose collaboration fuels the success of RAFI One To Tree’s initiatives. The event concluded with closing remarks from RAFI’s President and CEO, Ms. Amaya A. Fansler, expressing gratitude for the unity demonstrated by all sectors, and emphasizing the importance of working together to strengthen the environmental legacy the program aims to build. She ended with a powerful reminder: 

The Ka-Treebu Assembly continues to embody the message of its theme—that united action creates meaningful growth, and through shared purpose, a lasting legacy can be sown. As RAFI OTT and its partners continue our work, we remain committed to nurturing forests, uplifting communities, and building a sustainable future for generations to come. 

“Each of us carries with us a bugsay — that role, that expertise, the resources — that can propel this movement forward. As we end today’s celebration, we must renew our commitment to using our bugsays to continue the movement. Together, we will continue to plant and nurture not just trees, but possibilities for a strong, resilient, and vibrant future for our children."

- Amaya Cristina A. Fansler

Full list of Ka-Treebu Awardees: 

Ka-Treebu Advocates

Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC)
Center for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development
Lian Fisherfolk Association (LFA) 
Samahan ng Mandaragat sa Sulok Fisherfolks Association (SAMLOK) 
Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda ng Binubusan (SMMB) 
Samahang Mandaragat ng Banoyo (SMB) 
Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda sa Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan sa Brgy. Lagadlarin (SMMPKBL) 
Olo-olo Seaside Worker's Association (OSWA) 
Samahan ng mga ARBs ng Brgy. Lucban 
Calan Farmers Association 
Brgy. Pooc Sugarcane Farmers Association
Mountainside Farmers Association 
Samahan ng Magtutubo sa Sucol 
Samahan ng Magsasaka at Kababaihan sa Brgy. Dao
Cutlanders Farmers Association  
Rillo Farmers Association
Guinhawa Farmers Association 
Tuy Natural Farming Association
Talon Farmers Association
Toong Multipurpose Cooperative 
Langin Integrated Farmers Association
Rural Workers Association of Tindog
Nagkahiusang Mananagat sa Tambongon Association 
Sacsac Farmers Association
Capt Claudio High Value Crop Association 
Loay Sto. Nino United Women/Men Worker Association
Kalangahan Farmers Association 
Bagasawe Farmers Association
Alegria Farmers Association 
Panaghugpong Sa Nagkahiusang Guntinganon Magbabaol Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Mag-uumang Nagkahiusa Sa Budbud Inc.
Kapunungan sa mga Maguuma sa Sitio Monte Maravilla  
Kambanog Farmers Association
Busugon Fisherfolks and Farmers Association  
Victoria Community-based Resource Management Association
Lambusan Community-based Resource Management Association
Tacup Farmers & Fishemen Asscociation 
Kinawahan Farmers & Fishermen Community-based Resource Management Association   
Bagay Mangrove Tree Growers Association
Nagkahiusang Mananagat sa Bateria 
Langtad Fishefolk Association 
Purok Buyo South Poblacion Community 
Luca Farmers Association 
San Isidro Farmers & Fishermen's Association
Tapon Fisherfolk Association 
Don Juan Climaco Farmers Association
Gaas Farmers Scientist Association (GAFSA) 
Conta Manghupi Farmers Association (COMAFA) 
Mulao Women Farmers Association (MUWFA) 
Hagnum Lusaran Farmers Association (HALUFA) 
BAFFA Bagasawe Farmers & Fisherfolks Association 
Canluntao Cuanos Farmers Irrigators Association 
Bayong Farmers Association 
Malubog Farmers Association 
Hillyland Farmers Association
KASAMACA-Kapunongan Sa Maguuma sa Cansumoroy 
Canlumampao United Farmers & Irrigators Association 
Asiotes Farmers Association 
Guba Womens Association
Matigsalug Manobo Tribal People Council of Elders Davao, Inc. 

Ka-Treebu Stewards

Province of Batangas 
Municipality of Balayan
Municipality of Tuy 
Municipality of Lian
Municipality of Lobo
Municipality of Rosario
Municipality of Taysan 
Municipality of San Luis 
DENR PENRO Batangas
DENR CENRO Calaca 
DENR CENRO Lipa
Municipality of Barili
Municipality of Ronda 
Municipality of Pinamungahan 
Municipality of Daanbantayan 
Municipality of Medellin
Municipality of San Remegio
Municipality of Tuburan 
Municipality of Minganilla 
City of Naga, Cebu
Municipality of Dumanjug, Cebu
City of Toledo, Cebu

 
Ka-Treebu Collaborators

The Coca-Cola Foundation - Philippines 
Wells Fargo International Solutions LLC - Philippines 
ICTSI Foundation 
Cebu Air, Inc.
Hyundai Motors Philippines, Inc.
BPI Foundation, Inc.  
Eastern Telecommunications Philippines Inc. 
B&M Global Services Manila, Inc. 
Aboitiz Construction, Inc. 
The Fluor Daniel, Inc., - Philippines 
Northern Star Energy Corporation 
G-Xchange, Inc.
Aboitiz Power Corporation - Therma South, Inc 
Aboitiz Power Corporation - Therma Visayas, Inc. 
SMBC - Aviation Capital 
Cebu Landmasters, Inc.
SM Prime Holdings, Inc.  
Ayala Land, Inc.
Visayan Electric Company, Inc. 
AIA Philippines 
ATRAM  
GoPetrol Transport, Inc. 
Mr. Dominic Garcia 
Kunstoff PVC 
Smart Recycle
City Savings Bank