The Philippines is officially represented at the Forest of Civilizations, a landmark artistic installation and one of the largest exhibits at Expo 2025 Osaka. TPB Chief Operating Officer and Secretary General of the Philippine Organizing Committee, Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, led the symbolic tree naming ceremony on July 22, 2025, prominently placing the country in this global tribute to cultural heritage and sustainability.
The Forest of Civilizations features 133 ancient oak trees, each over 6,500 years old, recovered from subfossil deposits and digitally scanned for preservation. Each tree represents one participating country and serves as a lasting symbol of humanity’s shared past and collective future. The installation is currently under consideration for recognition by the Guinness World Records.
During the brief but meaningful ceremony, COO Nograles was presented with the tree that will bear the name Philippines for the duration of the Expo. The tree is now marked by a metal QR code engraved with: “This tree stands here in honour of the Philippines”. Visitors who scan the code will hear a specially curated message from the Philippine Pavilion in English, Japanese, and Filipino—powered by VoxTox AI technology.
“We are honored to stand alongside other nations in the Forest of Civilizations. For us, this tree represents more than just our roots—it mirrors the spirit of the Philippine Pavilion, which invites visitors to pause, reflect, and reconnect. In a world shaped by rapid digitalization, both the Pavilion and this tree offer something deeply human: a space to feel, to remember, and to belong. This tree becomes a symbol of connection because, like every woven panel and story in our Pavilion, it carries the imprint of our people—their creativity, resilience, and hope for a future where humanity is more meaningfully intertwined,” said Nograles.
Joining a growing list of nations participating in the exhibit—including Belgium, the Czech Republic, Armenia, and the United States—the Philippines now takes part in this organic, global “root system” representing cooperation, heritage, and environmental consciousness.
As one of Expo 2025’s most unique and forward-thinking installations, the Forest of Civilizations invites nations to not only take part in a shared global narrative but to continue that story long after the Expo closes in 2026.
This marks another powerful addition to the Philippines’ presence at Expo 2025 Osaka, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainability, cultural diplomacy, and global dialogue.
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