PALAUIG, Zambales — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Giga Ace 8, Inc., and the Forest Guardians of Palauig Association Inc. (FGPAI) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the adoption of 30 hectares of forestland in Palauig, Zambales, under the National Greening Program (NGP).

The agreement covers a timber commodity area in Sitio Dampay, Barangay Salaza, where the partners will undertake planting, protection, and maintenance activities to support forest rehabilitation and sustainable forest management.

Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Masinloc Officer Donaver Guevarra said the DENR would provide technical assistance to Giga Ace 8 and FGPAI in establishing, protecting, and maintaining the adopted area.

The initiative supports Executive Order No. 193, series of 2015, which strengthens the implementation of the NGP to expand forest cover and promote sustainable forest management.

DENR Zambales head Marife Castillo said the partnership would enable the government, private sector, and people’s organization to pool resources and expertise for forest protection and rehabilitation.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo thanked the partners for supporting the agency’s greening initiatives, emphasizing the role of collaboration among government agencies, private companies, and local communities in promoting climate resilience and responsible environmental management.

Pablo led the DENR delegation during the MOA signing, accompanied by Castillo, DENR Zambales Technical Services Division Chief Miguela Ramirez, Guevarra, and CENRO Masinloc NGP focal person Rowell A. Velasco.

Giga Ace 8 was represented by Vice President Roque Tordesillas, Assistant Vice President Sheryl Buena, Supervising Manager for External Affairs Patrick Adams San Juan, and Palauig Solar Project Manager Michael Jeffrey Arejola. FGPAI was represented by Chairman Luis Lontok and Secretary Eranio Mojica.

The 30-hectare adoption is expected to help increase forest cover, protect soil and water resources, and sustain the ecological functions of the area. (DENR CL Press Release)