ZAMBALES– The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Masinloc, and Gasat Builders and Supplies, Inc. are working together to restore a portion of forestland in Zambales affected by a forest fire through a collaborative tree growing initiative that supports the government’s long-term forest rehabilitation efforts.

CENRO Masinloc Head Donaver Guevarra reported that 45 volunteers planted 1,000 seedlings of coffee, eucalyptus, and yakal within a 100-hectare National Greening Program (NGP) adoption area in Barangay Guiguis, Sta. Cruz, Zambales.

According to Guevarra, the initiative contributes to the recovery of degraded forest areas by restoring forest cover in portions of the site where a forest fire during the dry season 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,” he added.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing forest rehabilitation, noting that private sector participation complements government efforts to restore degraded forestlands and promote the sustainable management of natural resources.

“The rehabilitation of areas affected by forest fires requires sustained commitment from 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.

Participating in the activity were representatives from Gasat Builders and Supplies, Inc., interns from President Ramon Magsaysay State University-Botolan Campus, Chapter Members of Alpha Phi Omega. Philippines (Rho Delta, Mu Omega, Lambda, Beta Xi, APO Mt. Pinatubo Alumni Association, and APO Palauig Alumni Association) and personnel of CENRO Masinloc. (PR)

📸 DENR Central Luzon