Under the stewardship of the Manila Water Foundation, the La Mesa Ecopark (LME) in Quezon City, proudly marks 2025 as an impactful year for the environment. The social development arm of Manila Water Company achieved significant progress in urban forest restoration, environmental education, and community engagement.
Through synergies with more than 180 organizations and thousands of volunteers, LME strengthened its role as a beacon of “biodiverCity”, urban forest conservation and a hub for experiential, environmental learning in Metro Manila.
La Mesa Ecopark tapped into power of volunteerism and planted 14,342 endemic and native trees that enriched LME’s biodiversity and contributed to the ongoing rehabilitation of the La Mesa Watershed. These efforts were made possible through 93 tree nurturing sessions that included tree planting, seed bagging, and soil potting, ultimately restoring 35 hectares of forest land. The year also saw over 5,000 volunteers from all age groups participating in nurturing activities, and more than 8,000 individuals taking part in environmental education programs. A total of 78 private and public organizations actively contributed to these initiatives, marking an unprecedented scale of collaboration that nurtures an urban forest and supports water security.
Visitors and participants frequently expressed enjoyment, noting how the hands‑on activities created opportunities to meaningfully reconnect with nature, understand the importance of protecting Metro Manila’s remaining green spaces and how it is linked to water supply for their homes, businesses and industries. Many appreciated the meaningful impact of their contributions and cited the program as both educational and fulfilling.
La Mesa Ecopark introduced two (2) new facilities in 2025, the Butterfly Garden which offers an accessible and interactive encounter with local species, and an Outdoor Court designed for sports and fitness activities. LME continues to enhance ecological learning and provided a green space for recreation through organized tours for schools and organizations to deepen their knowledge in the importance of ecosystems and participate in shared stewardship for the environment.
Visitors can look forward to expanded conservation programs in 2026 to continue the rehabilitation of Phase 2 of the Ecopark. Tree planting activities will also extend to the La Mesa Nature Reserve, where the Manila Water Foundation has been entrusted with a new rehabilitation area guided by Assisted Natural Regeneration methods.
Bookings for the planting season from June to October are now open, with the LME aiming to encourage greater participation in a variety of activities promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. The LME also nourishes partnerships for conservation and environmental education through the use of its facilities and open spaces.
“For us in Manila Water Foundation, what we are witnessing at La Mesa Ecopark is more than successful conservation work but a growing movement. Every tree planted and every volunteer who enters the Ecopark helps restore our forest cover, strengthen biodiversity, and protect the watershed that sustains Metro Manila. More importantly, these efforts spark personal transformation: a deepening environmental consciousness, greater appreciation for nature and a renewed commitment to climate action,” says Reginald Andal, Executive Director of Manila Water Foundation.
As LME looks forward to an even more active 2026, it continues to champion community‑driven climate action and serve as a living testament to what collective stewardship can achieve for the environment.