MASINLOC, Zambales– The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Masinloc, partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Central Luzon Association of MEPEOs–Zambales Chapter to plant 2,200 Kawayan Bayog planting stocks in Barangay Guinabon here to support forest restoration efforts.

CENRO Masinloc head Donaver Guevarra said the planting activity was conducted within a 69.8-hectare graduated Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) plantation established in 2017. It gathered 167 volunteers from government agencies, local government units, mining companies, uniformed personnel, schools, youth groups, and people’s organizations.

The planting stocks came from replacement seedlings provided by Eramen Minerals, Inc. (EMI), supplemented by seedlings produced at the CENRO Masinloc Forest Nursery.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation among government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities in maintaining greening initiatives and protecting planted areas.

He said bamboo planting can help improve vegetation cover, stabilize soil, provide habitat for wildlife, and support forest ecosystem restoration.

The tree growing activity drew support from state workers from the DTI, Barangay Local Government Unit of Guinabon, the Philippine Army, the Bureau of Fire Protection–Sta. Cruz, youth leaders from Guiguis National High School, members of Barkada Kontra Droga and Guinabon Organic Farmers Association, and private partners. (DENR CL Press Release)