STA. CRUZ, Zambales — More than 200 residents in two northern towns of Zambales gained easier access to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) services and community support programs when the agency brought a mobile permitting drive and environmental assistance project here in line with the Earth Day celebration.

CENRO Masinloc Officer Donaver Guevarra said residents of Barangays Guisguis and Guinabon in Sta. Cruz town, and Uacon in Candelaria, received on-site assistance for chainsaw registration, land titling, tree-cutting permits, and tenurial instrument applications during the two-day project.

The DENR also distributed 50,000 forestry and fruit-bearing seedlings to support reforestation, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable livelihood opportunities in local communities, Guevarra said.

The activity demonstrated the agency could better deliver services to the people, while strengthening local participation in environmental protection efforts, said Marife Castillo, provincial head of the DENR office in Zambales.

“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,” she said.

This was echoed by DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo, who said bringing DENR services at the barangay level “removes barriers for ordinary citizens” and allows communities, government and industry to work together and build long-term resilience.

The mobile permitting activity was conducted in partnership with Eramen Minerals Inc., Zambales Diversified Metals Corp., and Zambales Chromite Mining Inc., as part of their environmental protection, rehabilitation, and reforestation commitments.

Guevarra said CENRO Masinloc will continue to strengthen community-based programs and partnerships that promote better public service access, sustainable development, and responsible stewardship of natural resources. – DENR Central Luzon