Olongapo City – Residents of Cabangan, Zambales took an active role in environmental stewardship as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Olongapo City, brought its “DENR on Wheels” outreach program to the municipality.
Beyond delivering frontline government services, the activity encouraged community participation through the “Bayanihan Swap: Tindahan ng Kalikasan” eco-barter initiative, where residents exchanged more than 40 kilograms of PET bottles and hard plastics for essential goods. The program also provided free consultations on land titling, forestry management, wildlife protection, and other environmental concerns, making technical assistance more accessible to the public.
Participants also received free tree seedlings, reusable tote bags, and environmental information materials to promote sustainable practices beyond the event.
Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo emphasized that meaningful environmental protection begins with strong community engagement.
“When government agencies work side by side with residents and local leaders, we build the capacity to protect our forests, manage waste responsibly, and secure land rights for future generations. Community participation and creative service delivery are essential to lasting environmental solutions,” Pablo said.
The DENR continues to strengthen partnerships with local government units and civil society organizations while expanding mobile outreach programs that encourage environmental compliance, sustainable natural resource management, and climate resilience.