The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Masinloc and stakeholder Gasat Builders and Supplies, Inc. are restoring a portion of forestland in Zambales affected by a forest fire by planting 1,000 seedlings of coffee, eucalyptus, and yakal.

The two institutions conducted the collaborative tree growing initiative at the 100-hectare National Greening Program (NGP) adoption area at Barangay Guiguis in the town of Sta. Cruz, Zambales on 29 June 2026.

According to CENRO Masinloc Head Donaver Guevarra, the initiative supports the government’s long-term forest rehabilitation efforts, contributing to the recovery of degraded forest areas by restoring forest cover in portions of the site where a forest fire during the dry season damaged seedlings planted in previous years.

“Sustained rehabilitation, maintenance, and protection activities are essential to ensure the successful recovery of the plantation and strengthen the resilience of the forest ecosystem,” he added.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing forest rehabilitation, noting that private sector participation complements government efforts to restore degraded forestlands and promote the sustainable management of natural resources.

"The rehabilitation of areas affected by forest fires requires sustained commitment from government, the private sector, and local communities. Through partnerships such as these, we can restore forest ecosystems, strengthen their resilience, and ensure that they continue to provide vital ecological services for present and future generations," Pablo said.

Participating in the activity were representatives from Gasat Builders and Supplies, Inc., interns from President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU)–Botolan Campus, members of Mu Omega, RHO Delta, Lambada, the Mt. Pinatubo Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association, and the Beta XI Chapter of the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) fraternity, and personnel of CENRO Masinloc.