IBA, Zambales— The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine Red Cross planted 1,000 indigenous tree seedlings in Sitio Ulpoy, Barangay Amungan, Iba, Zambales, as part of a reforestation effort aimed at restoring forest cover and strengthening climate resilience.

Marife Castillo, provincial environment and natural resources officer for Zambales, said the initiative rehabilitated a 14.37-hectare site under the graduated National Greening Program. The activity, led by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro)- Masinloc, also marked the nationwide launch of the Philippine Red Cross’ “143 Luntian” tree-growing and ecosystem stewardship program.

A total of 500 narra seedlings and 500 agoho seedlings were planted by 108 volunteers from the Philippine Red Cross, DENR, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police, Indigenous Peoples communities and other local partners.

Donaver Guevarra, head of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Masinloc, said the tree-growing activity was conducted in two phases and established 1,000 indigenous tree seedlings at the project site.

Guevarra said the planting materials came from replacement seedlings required under a Special Tree Cutting Earth-balling Permit, supporting forest restoration under the graduated National Greening Program and community-based conservation efforts.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said restoring forests helps reduce disaster risks while improving environmental conditions.

“Disaster resilience begins long before calamities occur. By restoring our forests today, we are reducing future risks while securing cleaner water, healthier ecosystems and a safer environment for our communities,” Pablo said. “This partnership reflects how collective action can create lasting solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.”

The activity is part of DENR’s continuing implementation of the National Greening Program through partnerships with government agencies, civic organizations and local communities to promote forest restoration and environmental protection.

📸 DENR Central Luzon