MASINLOC, Zambales — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Masinloc, planted nearly 1,000 native tree seedlings in Zambales as part of its forest rehabilitation and restoration efforts.

The tree-growing activity was conducted at a National Greening Program (NGP) site established in 2012, where native tree species such as akle, kupang, lanete, and Mindoro pine were planted to enrich existing forest plantations.

According to CENRO Masinloc Head Donaver Guevarra, the seedlings were produced at the DENR Masinloc Forest Nursery as part of the office’s annual production target of 15,000 seedlings for 2026. The seedlings will be used for forest rehabilitation, restoration, and conservation activities across the province.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said sustained tree-growing activities play an important role in protecting and enhancing the province’s forest resources.

“Every native tree we plant contributes to healthier forests that provide clean water, protect biodiversity, store carbon, and strengthen communities against the impacts of climate change. Through these continuing restoration efforts, we are investing in the long-term sustainability of Zambales’ forestlands and the ecosystem services they provide,” Pablo said.

The DENR said the tree-planting activity aims to help rehabilitate degraded forest areas, enhance biodiversity, and improve the resilience of local ecosystems to the effects of climate change.

Zambales has more than 160,000 hectares of forestland, making continued rehabilitation and protection efforts important for conserving biodiversity, protecting watersheds, and sustaining ecological services that benefit communities and local livelihoods. (PR)