Zambales reforestation project targets high native trees’ survival rate
The project will prioritize bamboo, alongside native and fruit-bearing tree species.
Daily TribuneThe project will prioritize bamboo, alongside native and fruit-bearing tree species.
photograph courtesy of DENR
Regional environmental officials and a private mining firm have entered into a five-year partnership to rehabilitate and protect an 82-hectare bamboo plantation in Zambales province.
Under a memorandum of agreement, Shangfil Mining & Trading Corp. will fund and manage the replanting, maintenance, and protection of the plantation in Barangay Guinabon. The site was originally established in 2013 as part of state reforestation efforts.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will provide technical assistance, monitoring, and training for the project.
Donaver Guevarra, the local community environment officer, said the initiative targets an 85 percent seedling survival rate.
The project will prioritize bamboo, alongside native and fruit-bearing tree species, to rebuild forest cover, improve biodiversity, and capture carbon emissions.
DENR regional executive director Ralph Pablo said the agreement illustrates how public-private partnerships can accelerate forest restoration and climate resilience.
“By working with the private sector, we accelerate reforestation efforts towards a greener and healthier environment,” Pablo said.
Officials said the project is part of the government’s Expanded National Greening Program, which promotes bamboo cultivation as a strategic tool for environmental conservation and local livelihood development.