STA. CRUZ, Zambales — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Masinloc, partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Central Luzon Association of MEPEOs–Zambales Chapter to plant 2,200 “Kawayan Bayog” planting stocks in Barangay Guinabon, a rural mountain and farming village here.

CENRO Masinloc head Donaver Guevarra said the planting activity was conducted on October 16 within a 69.8-hectare graduated Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) plantation established in 2017.

It gathered 167 volunteers from DTI, the Barangay Local Government Unit of Guinabon, the Philippine Army, the Bureau of Fire Protection–Sta. Cruz, youth leaders from Guiguis National High School, members of Barkada Kontra Droga, and the Guinabon Organic Farmers Association.

The planting stocks came from replacement seedlings provided by Eramen Minerals, Inc. (EMI), supplemented by seedlings produced at the CENRO Masinloc Forest Nursery.

Kawayan Bayog (Bambusa merrilliana or Bambusa blumeana var. luzonensis) is a strong, clumping native bamboo species in the Philippines known for its thick walls, flexibility, and durability. It is often utilized for house posts, beams, flooring, traditional huts (bahay kubo), scaffolding, fences, and riverbank soil stabilization.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said planting bamboo can improve vegetation cover, stabilize soil, provide wildlife habitat, and support forest ecosystem restoration.

Planting bamboos to help the soil retain moisture is among the measures the DENR is advancing to help upland communities cope with El Niño.

During the October 5 Cabinet meeting on El Nino, the DENR reported its efforts to promote nature-based solutions that conserve soil moisture, protect agricultural lands, and sustain the natural resources on which farming communities depend.

Environment Secretary Juan Miguel “Mitch” T. Cuna said nature-based solutions can help protect both agricultural productivity and farmers’ livelihood as prolonged dry spells put pressure on soil and water resources.

Earlier, the DENR also signed an agreement with solar farm operator Giga Ace 8, Inc. and the Forest Guardians of Palauig Association Inc. (FGPAI) to adopt 30 hectares of timber commodity under the National Greening Program (NGP) in Sitio Dampay, Barangay Salaza, Palauig.

Guevarra said that under the agreement, DENR will provide technical assistance, while Giga Ace 8 and FGPAI will undertake on-the-ground activities to establish, protect, and maintain the adopted area.

DENR Zambales head Marife Castillo said that by adopting the 30-hectare forestland, the partners will help increase forest cover, protect soil and water, and enhance the area’s ecological functions. ▲