The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has launched a major reforestation campaign titled Forests for Life: 5M Trees by 2028, with the goal of planting five million trees across key provinces as part of the government’s broader climate resilience and forest management efforts.

The initiative, formally unveiled this week, aims to support carbon sequestration efforts, with an estimated target of 3.5 million tons of carbon to be sequestered by 2038. The DENR emphasized the role of the program in strengthening the country’s defenses against climate-related risks, such as flooding and landslides, while supporting biodiversity and rural livelihoods.

“The restoration of our forests is an urgent climate action strategy. Enhancing reforestation in priority areas will secure water supply and fortify the country’s defenses against flooding and landslides,” Secretary Loyzaga stated. “This initiative also complements our ongoing efforts to expand mangrove forests and coastal greenbelts, which serve as natural barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion.”

Initial implementation will focus on six provinces: Ilocos Norte, Rizal, Leyte, Bataan, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Norte. The phased rollout begins in 2025 with preparations such as seedling production and site mobilization, followed by full plantation work and protection measures through 2028.

The Forests for Life initiative follows a multi-stakeholder approach. It calls on participation from public agencies, local governments, civil society groups, and the private sector for both financial and non-monetary support. Contributions will include technical expertise, resource sharing, monitoring systems, and community outreach.

The DENR has identified priority tree species for the program, including both dipterocarp and non-dipterocarp species such as Yakal-Saplungan, Palosapis, Dao, Kalumpit, Kalantas, Agoho, and Kupang.

With nearly 6.8 million hectares of watershed areas at risk and almost 2,000 barangays vulnerable to flooding and landslides, the department said the need for intensified reforestation has become more urgent.

As part of the broader Expanded National Greening Program (ENGP), the DENR is also rehabilitating thousands of hectares of degraded land, targeting the establishment of 15,508 hectares of new plantations, the production of 7.88 million seedlings, and the maintenance of 44,861 hectares of reforested areas.

“Our forests and watersheds are our first line of defense against climate change,” Secretary Loyzaga stressed. “Through science-driven policies, advanced technologies, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, we are transforming the idea of climate resilience into reality.”