CABANGAN, Zambales — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Olongapo City, promoted sustainable waste management through an eco-barter activity dubbed “Bayanihan Swap: Tindahan ng Kalikasan” here.

The project allowed residents to exchange more than 40 kilograms of PET bottles and hard plastics for essential goods.

Free tree seedlings, environmental information materials, and reusable tote bags were likewise distributed to participants.

The eco-barter was conducted through the “DENR on Wheels” outreach program, which sought to strengthen public access to environmental services by providing free consultations on land titling, forestry management, wildlife protection, and other environmental concerns.

Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said initiatives such as this demonstrate the agency’s commitment to making environmental services more accessible while encouraging greater community participation in environmental protection.

“When government agencies work side by side with residents and local leaders, we build the capacity to protect our forests, manage waste responsibly, and secure land rights for future generations. Community participation and creative service delivery are essential to lasting environmental solutions,” Pablo said. The DENR said it continues to deploy mobile units and strengthen partnerships with local government units and civil society organizations to expand community-based programs that promote environmental compliance, sustainable natural resource management and climate resilience. ▲