CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – In line with the recent Earth Day celebrations, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources brought a mobile permitting drive and environmental assistance to Sta. Cruz and Candelaria, Zambales, benefitting some 200 residents.
CENRO Masinloc officer Donaver Guevarra reported that the two-day activity enabled residents of Barangays Guisguis, Guinabon, and Uacon to receive on-site assistance for chainsaw registration, land titling, tree-cutting permits, and tenurial instrument applications.
Also distributed were 50,000 forestry and fruit-bearing seedlings to support reforestation, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable livelihood opportunities in local communities.
“By bringing both services and environmental support directly to the barangays, we are helping communities access government assistance more easily while encouraging shared responsibility in protecting and restoring our natural resources,” said Marife Castillo, provincial head of the DENR-Zambales.
DENR-3 executive director Ralph Pablo said delivering DENR services at the barangay level helps make government assistance more accessible while encouraging stronger public participation in environmental protection.
“Taking DENR services to the barangay level removes barriers for ordinary citizens and shows that protecting our forests goes hand in hand with serving the public. When communities, government and industry work together, we plant not only trees but also long-term resilience,” he said.
The activity was conducted in partnership with Eramen Minerals Inc., Zambales Diversified Metals Corp., and Zambales Chromite Mining Inc., in support of their environmental protection, rehabilitation, and reforestation commitments. Punto News Team/DENR-3
