Show Me Your Tree—A Powerful Call to Protect Our Forests!

Over 80 stories. Countless voices. One urgent mission.

The Show Me Your Tree campaign Philippine edition has officially concluded, and we are deeply moved by the incredible response from our community! What started as a call to share personal tree stories grew into something far greater—a powerful movement of over 80 compelling narratives and breathtaking images that remind us just how vital trees are to our environment, our safety, and our future.

This campaign was inspired by Pulitzer Center-supported stories on climate crisis, which shed light on deforestation and its devastating consequences, from landslides to flash floods. Many of you echoed these urgent reports, emphasizing how mining and unchecked development continue to threaten the forests that serve as our natural defense against disasters. Your stories did more than celebrate trees; they compelled fellow Filipinos to take action before it’s too late.

And the Winner Is…

With so many remarkable entries, choosing just one winner was no easy task. After much deliberation, we are thrilled to announce the grand prize winner of $500:

🏆 Grace—whose heartfelt story emphasizes how trees are not just part of the environment but vital protectors of human well-being, urging us to safeguard them as fiercely as they protect us.

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Grace Catan is a psychology graduate student at Ateneo de Manila University, deeply passionate about design and environmental psychology. As a researcher, she explores how nature, design, and human behavior intertwine, believing that the spaces we create shape our well-being. She hopes to integrate these insights into the therapeutic process as a future psychologist, advocating for a deeper connection between people and the natural world. 

I didn’t expect much when I started hiking more in 2024. At first, it was just a way to stay active, to break free from the monotony of everyday life. A different sport. A different challenge. But then, something happened. Under the shade of trees—I began to find moments of connection.

Underneath its branches, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting like-minded people who, like me, step into nature not just for the physical benefits but for the mental reset it provides. In these moments of shared shade and shared stories, I’ve felt part of something bigger—a collective desire to reconnect with nature and each other.

For me, the trees became more than mere companions along the trail. In all honesty, the swaying branches and rustling leaves felt like they were breathing with me, calming my breath and helping me pause. They reminded me of the resilience of life itself, urging me to slow down, to rest, to just be. In those moments, I wasn’t just a hiker; I was part of a community connected by a shared love for the outdoors and the quiet power of nature.

And yet, these trees, our protectors, are in danger. According to a Pulitzer report, in the 16th century, the Philippines was covered in forests spanning 27.5 million hectares of its total land area. Over the centuries, deforestation turned lush landscapes into barren fields. By the 1980s, forest cover had shrunk to 6.4 million hectares. Today, it stagnates at an average of just under 7 million hectares.

It’s sad to think of what we’ve lost—and what we might still lose. Trees are more than just scenery; they’re lifelines. They shield us from storms, keep our air clean, and give us spaces to connect—with ourselves, with others, with the planet.

So, here’s to the trees. To the branches that lead to shared comfort and stories, to the roots that help ground us. I hope we protect them as fiercely as they protect us.

Honoring Our Finalists

Alongside our winner, we also recognize four incredible finalists, whose stories stood out for their passion and insight:

🌟 Geraldan B. Morre—who highlights the Philippines' rich forests as part of the nation's identity, emphasizing their crucial role in protecting communities from floods and erosion. Her story echoes Pulitzer Center reports that warn of how deforestation leaves us vulnerable to disasters.

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🌟 JP Alipio – who advocates for equal access to nature for all Filipinos, stressing that forests should be preserved not just for their beauty but for their deep connection to indigenous communities and ecosystems. His story resonates with reports on how tribal communities protecting forests are being displaced by large-scale mining and logging.

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🌟 Ivan Louis—who reflects on the slow yet meaningful growth of the seedlings he has planted, reminding us that while progress takes time, trees benefit entire ecosystems far beyond themselves. His story is a testament to the power of reforestation and natural regeneration.

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🌟 Steve Cardona—who shares a thought-provoking story about how people protect trees when they see them as miracles, yet often overlook the everyday "miracles" trees perform in sustaining life. His story challenges us to rethink our role in deforestation and conservation, reinforcing Pulitzer Center reports on how mining and forest destruction contribute to worsening climate conditions.

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A Movement That Continues

Each of these stories is a powerful reminder that every tree matters, every action counts, and every voice can make a difference.

According to Pulitzer Center-supported reports, the Philippines has lost millions of hectares of forest cover due to mining, illegal logging, and commercial agriculture. Deforestation weakens our natural defenses, increasing the risk of flash floods, landslides, and extreme weather events. Yet, through the stories shared in this campaign, we see that Filipinos still have the power to protect and restore what remains.

We want to extend a huge thank you to every participant who took the time to share their tree stories. Your voices have sparked conversations, inspired action, and reinforced the urgent need to protect our forests before it’s too late.

📢 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts using #ShowMeYourTree and continue spreading awareness about the vital role of trees in our lives.