Fast-growing tree species planted in the Makiling forest in Los Baños, Laguna and degraded forest land in Carranglan were examined to analyze the characteristics and productivity of these tree species in each area. Acacia auriculiformis was found to be the most adapted species to degraded land, followed by yemane (Gmelina arborea). Yemane showed excellent growth where the physical soil properties were improved. Yemane and teak (Tectona grandis) were fire-tolerant species and their growth gradually improved. Annual height increment of Dipterocarpaceae seedlings planted under A. auriculiformis ranged from 30 to 40 cm and the height of some of them exceeded 4 m. Litter on the Acacia forests amounted to more than 1,500 g/m2. The values were almost twice those of tree species for long-rotation forests in Los Baños.