The Million Trees Foundation Inc. has launched a media campaign at the La Mesa Watershed for its landmark advocacy event, Run for a Million Trees: An Earth Day Celebration, scheduled for April 11, 2026.

The fun run will take place at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park to raise awareness for the protection of critical watersheds supplying Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.

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Million Trees Foundation Inc. chairman emeritus Reynaldo Velasco led the launch, citing the urgency of reaching a wider audience to safeguard water sources for Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Metro Manila.

He noted that the organization hopes to establish the race as an annual event to bolster support for planting millions of trees across the Philippines.

Organizers are targeting between 5,000 and 10,000 participants, which would make the event one of the largest environment-themed runs in the country.

The race features 5-kilometer, 10-kilometer and 16-kilometer categories to accommodate beginners and seasoned athletes. Proceeds from registration will fund tree growing, watershed rehabilitation and environmental education programs.

Million Trees Foundation Inc. president and executive-director Melandrew Velasco said the run aims to turn physical movement into a national agenda for sustainable tree planting.

He said the initiative serves as a response to environmental challenges and a statement against systemic corruption in flood control projects that have impacted Filipinos.

The event is being organized in partnership with Green Media Events Company, led by director Jenny Lumba. It receives support from institutional partners including the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Maynilad and QBE, alongside various local government units and civic organizations.

Representatives from numerous running groups attended the media launch, including the MSC Runners, Team Riot, Ayala Triads, Accenture Runners and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas running club.

Registration has opened via the foundation’s social media channels, with additional event details expected in the coming weeks.

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