GABALDON, Nueva Ecija — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has stepped up efforts to protect the Dupinga River through the planting of 800 bamboo propagules along its riverbank in Barangay Malinao here.
The activity, led by the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Cabanatuan City, formed part of the agency’s activities for the 2026 Philippine Bamboo Month, highlighting bamboo’s role in riverbank protection, ecosystem rehabilitation and community livelihood.
CENRO Cabanatuan City head Atty. Michael Sabio said the newly planted bamboo is expected to help stabilize riverbank areas as the plants become established while contributing to the rehabilitation of riparian vegetation.
Beyond its environmental benefits, Sabio said bamboo can also provide communities with a sustainable resource for various uses and potential livelihood opportunities when properly and responsibly managed.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo underscored the need for sustained cooperation among government agencies, local governments and communities in protecting natural resources.
“Bamboo planting is more than simply putting seedlings in the ground. It is an investment in the health of our rivers, the resilience of our communities, and the sustainability of our natural resources,” Pablo said.
He added that coordinated efforts among government institutions and communities can turn tree- and bamboo-planting activities into long-term environmental gains.
The initiative was anchored on the 2026 Philippine Bamboo Month theme, “Kawayanihan: Masaganang Kabuhayan at Mayabong na Likas-Kawayan Tungo sa Luntiang Kinabukasan.”
The theme underscores bamboo’s potential not only as a sustainable natural resource but also as part of nature-based approaches to environmental management and community development.
Around 80 participants from the DENR, the Local Government Unit of Gabaldon and the Philippine Statistics Authority-Cabanatuan City joined the riverbank planting activity.
The DENR said the initiative forms part of its continuing efforts to promote bamboo development while strengthening ecosystem protection and community participation in environmental conservation.