Photo by: DENR Central Luzon
SANTA CRUZ, Zambales — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has planted 2,200 bamboo seedlings in Barangay Guinabon, Santa Cruz, Zambales, as part of efforts to restore forest cover and strengthen environmental protection.
The planting activity was led by the DENR’s Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Masinloc in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Central Luzon Association of MEPEOs–Zambales Chapter.
CENRO Masinloc head Donaver Guevarra said the initiative was conducted within a 69.8-hectare graduated Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) plantation established in 2017. A total of 167 volunteers from government agencies, local government units, mining companies, uniformed services, schools, youth groups and people’s organizations participated in the activity.
The planting materials consisted of Kawayan Bayog, with replacement seedlings provided by Eramen Minerals Inc. (EMI), supplemented by bamboo seedlings grown at the CENRO Masinloc Forest Nursery.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, private sector partners and local communities in maintaining reforestation initiatives and protecting planted areas.
Pablo said bamboo planting can help improve vegetation cover, stabilize soil, provide habitats for wildlife and support the recovery of forest ecosystems.
Photo by: DENR Central Luzon
The activity brought together personnel from the DTI, the Barangay Local Government Unit of Guinabon, the Philippine Army and the Bureau of Fire Protection–Sta. Cruz, along with youth leaders from Guiguis National High School.
Members of Barkada Kontra Droga and the Guinabon Organic Farmers Association, as well as private sector partners, also took part in the initiative.
The bamboo-growing activity highlights the role of multi-sectoral partnerships in advancing forest restoration and sustaining environmental programs in Zambales. Through continued cooperation, the DENR and its partners aim to help protect natural resources and maintain the long-term benefits of established greening sites.