CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) have joined forces to strengthen climate resilience in Zambales through a large-scale tree-growing initiative that resulted in the planting of 1,000 indigenous tree seedlings in Sitio Ulpoy, Barangay Amungan, Iba.
The activity, spearheaded by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Masinloc, rehabilitated a 14.37-hectare site under the graduated National Greening Program (NGP). It also formed part of the nationwide launch of the Philippine Red Cross’ “143 Luntian” tree-growing and ecosystem stewardship program aimed at restoring forest ecosystems and promoting environmental sustainability.
According to DENR Zambales Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Marife Castillo, the initiative supports the rehabilitation of degraded forestlands while helping strengthen natural defenses against flooding, soil erosion, and the growing impacts of climate change.
A total of 500 narra and 500 agoho seedlings were planted through two tree-growing activities involving 108 volunteers from the Philippine Red Cross, DENR, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), indigenous peoples, and other local stakeholders.
CENRO Masinloc Head Donaver Guevarra said the planting materials were sourced from replacement seedlings under a Special Tree Cutting Earth-balling Permit, ensuring that the activity contributes to forest restoration efforts under the graduated National Greening Program and supports community-based conservation initiatives.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo emphasized that restoring forests is a long-term investment in both environmental protection and public safety.
“Disaster resilience begins long before calamities occur. By restoring our forests today, we are reducing future risks while securing cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and a safer environment for our communities. This partnership reflects how collective action can create lasting solutions to the challenges posed by climate change,” Pablo said.
The DENR said the activity reinforces its continuing implementation of the National Greening Program through strong multi-sectoral partnerships that promote forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, and climate resilience across Central Luzon.