The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported that 1,000 seedlings of various species were planted to help restore a portion of forestland in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, which was damaged by a fire. The agency stated that this initiative is part of the government's long-term forest rehabilitation efforts.
Tree-Growing Activity Details
The tree-growing activity was organized by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Masinloc, in partnership with Gasat Builders and Supplies, Inc. A total of 45 volunteers planted coffee, eucalyptus, and yakal seedlings within a 100-hectare National Greening Program (NGP) adoption area in Barangay Guiguis, Sta. Cruz.
Official Statements on Rehabilitation
CENRO Masinloc Head Donaver Guevarra emphasized that the activity aims to restore forest cover in areas where a forest fire during the dry season had damaged seedlings planted in previous years. “Sustained rehabilitation, maintenance, and protection activities are essential to ensure the successful recovery of the plantation and strengthen the resilience of the forest ecosystem,” Guevarra said.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo highlighted the critical role of private sector partnerships in complementing government efforts to rehabilitate degraded forestlands and promote sustainable natural resource management. “The rehabilitation of areas affected by forest fires requires sustained commitment from the government, the private sector, and local communities. Through partnerships such as these, we can restore forest ecosystems, strengthen their resilience, and ensure that they continue to provide vital ecological services for present and future generations,” Pablo said.
Participants in the Activity
The DENR noted that representatives from Gasat Builders and Supplies, Inc., interns from President Ramon Magsaysay State University–Botolan Campus, members of Mu Omega, RHO Delta, Lambada, the Mt. Pinatubo Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association, the Beta XI Chapter of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity, and CENRO Masinloc personnel took part in the planting activity.
