The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has launched a five-year reforestation project to restore 30 hectares of degraded upland forest in Sitio Daing, Barangay Duale, Limay, Bataan.
The project, called Puno ng Buhay–Limay Reforestation Project, is a partnership among the DENR, the Provincial Government of Bataan, the local government of Limay, Petron Foundation Inc., and the people’s organization Samahang Magsasaka sa Kagubatan Limay Bataan Inc. (SAMASAKA).
The initiative supports the government’s National Greening Program and aims to rehabilitate denuded forestlands, protect watersheds, and help address climate change through forest restoration.
Reforestation activities will be carried out in a Community-Based Forest Management area handled by SAMASAKA. Local community members will lead the work, which includes planting native trees such as fruit-bearing species, bamboo, and timber trees to improve biodiversity and strengthen the ecosystem.
Project partners said the restored forest is expected to improve groundwater recharge and provide long-term environmental and livelihood benefits to nearby communities.
After the five-year project period, the rehabilitated area and all improvements will be turned over to the DENR to ensure continued protection and management of the forest.
The DENR said the project reflects the importance of cooperation among government, the private sector, and local communities in restoring and protecting the country’s forest resources.
