Subic Bay Freeport – Some 200 native tree seedlings were planted at Barangay Cawag in the town of Subic, Zambales, as part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) thrust to strengthen long-term reforestation efforts and support the restoration of degraded forestlands.

According to Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Marife Castillo, the said event was in partnership with other stakeholders and was conducted within a 69-hectare National Greening Program site in Barangay Cawag.

The tree planting activity, led by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Olongapo City, forms part of the rehabilitation of an awarded Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) area through the establishment of indigenous tree species that are well-suited to the local ecosystem.

Meanwhile, DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo emphasized that planting native tree species helps restore biodiversity, improve watershed functions, and enhance the resilience of forest ecosystems while promoting the sustainable management of community-managed forestlands.

The activity brought together representatives from various public and private organizations, including members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Rotary Club of Olongapo City, Junior Chamber International-Olongapo, Samahang Makakalikasan ng Cawag Community-Based Forest Management Agreement Inc., and personnel from the Philippine National Police-Subic.

The Barangay Cawag Greening Program aligns with the government's National Greening Program and focuses on tree planting, mangrove restoration, and clean-up drives in the area. Local groups and the navy plant native trees like Narra and Bamboo to prevent soil erosion and grow forests.

To recall, local volunteers and students plant seedlings in places like Sitio Matang-ib and Mt. Redondo, while also helping clean the coast and plants mangroves. Mangroves are special trees that grow in saltwater, with Barangay Cawag known as a coastal barangay.