2,200 bamboo seedlings planted in Zambales reforestation drive

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — To help restore vegetation cover and protect the local ecosystem, 2,200 Kawayan Bayog seedlings have been planted in a 69.8-hectare forest plantation in Barangay Guinabon in Sta. Cruz, Zambales. 

In a statement on Friday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Luzon said that the planting activity brought together 167 volunteers from government agencies, local government units, mining companies, uniformed services, schools, youth groups, and people’s organizations.

The plantation was established in 2017 under the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP), according to Donaver Guevarra, community environment and natural resources officer in the municipality of Masinloc. 

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CENRO Masinloc, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Central Luzon Association of MEPEOs-Zambales Chapter, organized the activity.

The seedlings came from replacement planting materials provided by Eramen Minerals Inc., supplemented by stocks grown at the CENRO Masinloc Forest Nursery.

Ralph Pablo, DENR Central Luzon regional executive director, said sustained cooperation among government agencies, private sector partners and local communities was needed to maintain greening initiatives and protect planted areas.

Bamboo planting can help improve vegetation cover, stabilize soil, provide wildlife habitat, and support forest ecosystem restoration, he said.

Participants included personnel from the DTI, the Guinabon barangay government, the Philippine Army and the Bureau of Fire Protection in Sta. Cruz, as well as youth leaders from Guiguis National High School, members of Barkada Kontra Droga and the Guinabon Organic Farmers Association, and private sector partners./coa