MATALAM, Cotabato — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 underscored the crucial role of sustained collaboration and community partnerships in ensuring the protection and long-term success of reforestation efforts during a site visit to Enhanced National Greening Program (eNGP) plantations in Matalam and Antipas on April 11.
DENR 12 Regional Executive Director Atty. Felix S. Alicer led the site inspection to assess the health and sustainability of the established plantations. The visit aimed to identify appropriate silvicultural treatments and harvesting mechanisms to help achieve the program’s specific management goals, ensuring that the reforested areas continue to thrive in the years to come.
Atty. Alicer stressed the importance of strong cooperation between DENR field offices, people’s organizations, and local stakeholders to safeguard the reforestation sites from threats and degradation. He also expressed confidence that the eNGP initiative would not only contribute to environmental protection but also play a vital role in poverty alleviation and food security for upland communities.
“The success of this program lies in our collective commitment — from the local communities, our field personnel, and stakeholders — to safeguard and nurture these areas. Beyond planting, protection and proper management are essential to sustain the benefits for future generations,” Alicer said.
He also encouraged DENR personnel to remain proactive in monitoring plantation sites and to address on-the-ground challenges swiftly and effectively, highlighting that community-based reforestation can only deliver long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits if it is coupled with consistent care and protection.
The ongoing field visits and assessments reflect DENR Region 12’s strengthened focus on monitoring and evaluation, which aims to improve the management of reforested sites under the eNGP. Sustainable reforestation not only restores degraded lands and enhances biodiversity but also helps mitigate climate change impacts, secure watershed areas, and promote livelihoods for local communities.
The Enhanced National Greening Program, launched as a government flagship initiative, continues to be a vital tool in rehabilitating the country’s forests while fostering a balance between environmental conservation and community development.