Fifteen years after launching one of the world's most ambitious regreening initiatives, the Philippines is still watching its forests disappear. A joint investigation by 101 East and Lighthouse Reports has uncovered systemic failures in the National Greening Program, revealing that despite promises to restore barren land and protect watersheds, deforestation continues and Indigenous communities face an uncertain future. Main Developments The 2011 program was designed to pay local residents to plant and nurture millions of trees, turning degraded land into thriving forests. However, satellite imagery analyzed for the investigation shows that some forest areas are being destroyed rather than protected, contradicting the program's core objectives. Read also: Why Ceuta's migrant crisis is far from over Most targets remain unmet, according to the investigation, which combined on-the-ground reporting with remote sensing data. The findings paint a stark picture of a program that promised much but delivered little. Background The National Greening Program was launched with great fanfare, positioning the Philippines as a global leader in reforestation. The strategy relied on community participation, with locals paid to restore ecosystems and cultivate previously barren land. Indigenous peoples were central to the plan, as many depend on forests for their livelihoods. Yet the investigation reveals that these communities now fear losing the land they rely on, as the program's failures threaten their traditional territories. Why It Matters The stakes extend beyond tree counts. Forests in the Philippines are critical for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the survival of Indigenous cultures. When a government-backed greening program fails, it undermines trust in environmental governance and leaves vulnerable communities without recourse. For a nation prone to typhoons and flooding, healthy forests are a natural defense. Their continued loss amplifies climate risks and deepens inequality, as those least responsible for deforestation bear the heaviest consequences. What's Next The investigation raises urgent questions about accountability and reform. Will the government revise the National Greening Program to address the identified gaps, or will it continue as is? Indigenous communities, meanwhile, are left waiting for assurances that their land and livelihoods will be protected. Without concrete action, the Philippines risks repeating a cycle of broken promises. The next steps will determine whether the nation can truly reverse its forest loss or merely add another chapter to its history of failed initiatives.