The Department of Environment and Natural Resources gathered over 200 representatives from government, finance groups, civil society, diplomatic bodies, and community forestry organizations in an investment forum held Thursday. The event aims to grow inclusive investments and strengthen cooperation for sustainable forest management.
Organized by the Forest Management Bureau, the gathering highlighted community-led forest businesses, new funding options, and joint efforts to support livelihoods, forest restoration, and climate resilience. It also backs the “Forests for Life: 5 Million Trees by 2028” program, which seeks to empower upland communities while protecting ecosystems.
“Our communities are the frontliners of forest protection. Investing in them means investing in our forests and the families that depend on them,” said DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna.
The agency signed partnership agreements with firms including B. Braun Medical Supplies, Megaworld Corporation, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, and the local government of Iba, Zambales, to guide forest rehabilitation and long-term care. DENR also launched a new digital tool to speed up processing of forest land permits for better transparency and access. Community groups showcased their projects to potential investors, while financial bodies shared ways to make these ventures more viable. The forum is expected to help expand forest-based businesses and support responsible management of the country’s forests.
