Around 13,372 seedlings were distributed for free to residents and stakeholders to help in the reforestation efforts in Bataan.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the distribution is part of their agenda in strengthening community participation in environmental conservation and local reforestation efforts.

The distribution was carried out through the ‘Community PANTREE’ program of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Bagac, benefiting residents from Mariveles, Bagac, and Morong towns.

CENRO Bagac Chief Brenda Clemente said the initiative encourages communities to take an active role in protecting the environment by providing quality planting materials for tree-growing activities.

"By providing quality planting materials, we are empowering people to contribute directly to biodiversity conservation, food security, and sustainable livelihoods," Clemente said.

The seedlings included indigenous, fruit-bearing and economically valuable species such as 6,235 guyabano seedlings, 2,250 cashew seedlings, 1,392 langka seedlings, 1,240 molave seedlings, 1,090 narra seedlings, 1,015 duhat seedlings, and 150 coffee seedlings.

Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo underscored the broader significance of the initiative, emphasizing that environmental protection requires sustained public participation.

"The successful implementation of the PANTREE program underscores the importance of collective action in addressing climate change. This effort reaffirms that caring for the environment is a shared responsibility, and that resilient communities are built when we work together," Pablo said.

The program also supports DENR’s ongoing reforestation project, which seeks to restore degraded forestlands, strengthen ecosystem services and promote sustainable land use by engaging local communities in tree planting activities.