Photo By: DENR Central Luzon
IBA, Zambales – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Masinloc, has planted nearly 1,000 native tree seedlings in Zambales to reinforce forest restoration efforts and improve the resilience of local ecosystems against climate change.
The tree-growing activity was conducted at a National Greening Program (NGP) site established in 2012, where native species such as akle, kupang, lanete, and Mindoro pine were planted to enrich existing forest plantations and rehabilitate degraded forest areas.
Photo By: DENR Central Luzon
CENRO Masinloc Head Donaver Guevarra said the seedlings came from the DENR Masinloc Forest Nursery, which is targeting the production of 15,000 native seedlings in 2026 to support forest rehabilitation, restoration, and conservation initiatives across the province.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said sustained tree-growing activities play a vital role in protecting the province’s rich forest resources and maintaining essential ecosystem services.
“Every native tree we plant contributes to healthier forests that provide clean water, protect biodiversity, store carbon, and strengthen communities against the impacts of climate change. Through these continuing restoration efforts, we are investing in the long-term sustainability of Zambales’ forestlands and the ecosystem services they provide,” Pablo said.
Zambales has more than 160,000 hectares of forestlands, making continuous rehabilitation and protection efforts crucial in conserving biodiversity, safeguarding critical watersheds, and sustaining the ecological services that benefit communities and local livelihoods.