ZAMBALES — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in partnership with several public and private organizations, planted 200 native tree seedlings in a reforestation site in Subic, Zambales as part of efforts to restore degraded forestlands.

The tree-planting activity, led by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Olongapo City, was held at a 69-hectare National Greening Program site in Barangay Cawag.

Participants included representatives from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Rotary Club of Olongapo City, Junior Chamber International-Olongapo, Samahang Makakalikasan ng Cawag Community-Based Forest Management Agreement Inc., and personnel from the Philippine National Police-Subic.

CENRO Olongapo City Head Edward Sernadilla said the activity is part of the rehabilitation of a Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) area through the establishment of indigenous tree species suited to the local ecosystem.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said planting native tree species contributes to the restoration of biodiversity, improvement of watershed functions, and strengthening of forest ecosystem resilience while supporting the sustainable management of community-managed forestlands.

The activity forms part of the DENR’s continuing reforestation program under the National Greening Program, which aims to rehabilitate degraded areas through the planting of native tree species.

📸 DENR CL