By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the bright lights of the Villamor Air Base gym in Pasay City, government officials and uniformed personnel gathered on February 10 to recognize a partnership built not on weapons or drills, but on trees and shared responsibility for the environment.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) was honored by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) for its vital role as a partner-stakeholder of the Air Installation and Base Development Command. The recognition ceremony was held at the PAF Multi-Purpose Gymnasium inside Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base.
The award was received by Conservation and Development Division Chief Aida E. Esguerra, who represented DENR-NCR. The citation expressed gratitude for the agency’s continued and meaningful support in implementing key environmental initiatives aligned with the mission of the Philippine Air Force.
The partnership between DENR-NCR and PAF began in 2019 with the rollout of the National Greening Program (NGP), the government’s flagship reforestation initiative aimed at increasing forest cover and promoting environmental protection nationwide. Since then, both institutions have worked closely to integrate environmental programs within the military facility.
Today, several NGP sites have been established within the Villamor Air Base compound. These sites contribute to expanding urban green spaces in Metro Manila, an area known for high population density and limited open spaces. Trees planted under the program help improve air quality, reduce heat, and support biodiversity even within a highly developed urban setting.
According to environmental experts, urban greening plays a crucial role in addressing climate change impacts such as extreme heat and flooding. Metro Manila has long faced environmental challenges, including air pollution and limited green cover. Programs like the NGP aim to help mitigate these issues by planting native tree species and promoting long-term care and maintenance.
The recognition highlights the importance of inter-agency collaboration in achieving national environmental goals. By working together, civilian agencies and the military can strengthen institutional resilience while promoting environmental stewardship.
For DENR-NCR, the award affirms its ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development in highly urbanized areas. For the Philippine Air Force, it underscores the role of environmental responsibility even within defense installations.
As climate concerns continue to affect communities across the country, partnerships such as this show that environmental protection is not limited to one sector alone. Whether in farms, cities, or military bases, planting and protecting trees remains a shared duty.
The ceremony served not only as a moment of recognition but also as a reminder that caring for the environment requires unity and long-term commitment. Small steps, when sustained through cooperation, can lead to lasting impact for future generations.
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