MASINLOC, Zambales (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has partnered with Shangfil Mining and Trading Corporation (SMTC) to rehabilitate and protect an 82-hectare bamboo plantation in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, supporting efforts to restore degraded lands and strengthen climate resilience in the area.
Located in Barangay Guinabon, DENR Masinloc Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Donaver Guevarra reported that the rehabilitation targets an 85 percent seedling survival rate and will prioritize bamboo.
Other than bamboo, the project also targets including native and fruit-bearing tree species to improve forest cover and biodiversity, and increase carbon sequestration.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo emphasized that the partnership between the agency and SMTC aims to fast-track forest restoration while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to restore degraded lands and strengthen climate resilience. By working with the private sector, we accelerate reforestation efforts towards a greener and healthier environment,” he said.
Under a Memorandum of Agreement, SMTC will support the replanting, maintenance, and protection of the bamboo plantation, while DENR will provide technical assistance, monitoring, and capacity-building activities to help ensure the project’s long-term sustainability and success.
Aligned with the Expanded National Greening Program, which positions bamboo as a strategic commodity for climate mitigation, livelihood generation, and biodiversity conservation, the restoration initiative is expected to support the government’s environmental protection and sustainable development agenda under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Zambales)
