THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Sunday said it is stepping up forest protection and watershed restoration nationwide to strengthen water security amid the El Niño warm weather condition.
“While watershed restoration and forest protection efforts are not immediate solutions to the ongoing El Niño episode, such are critical long-term measures to strengthen ecosystems, improve water security, and help communities better withstand potential droughts and prolonged dry conditions,” Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) recently warned that El Niño could become very strong by the year-end and persist into the first half of 2027. It could bring below-normal rainfall, prolonged dry spells, reduced water supply, and extreme heat to parts of the country.
Cuna said the DENR is working with local communities, indigenous peoples, civil society groups and other partners to protect forests and help newly planted trees survive.
In Central Luzon, the agency is restoring critical watersheds in Aurora, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, and Zambales. Teams are also inspecting established narra plantations in Nueva Ecija to assess seedling survival and soil moisture amid rising temperatures.
In Masbate, DENR field offices partnered with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ Bicol chapter and local governments to plant more than 16,750 indigenous and mangrove seedlings across 50 hectares in the province’s second and third districts.
The initiative also included planting 1,200 mangrove propagules at the Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and along RM Robredo Boulevard.
In Camarines Norte, the DENR has required contractors under the Enhanced National Greening Program to replace dead seedlings and provide supplemental watering during dry conditions.
In Caraga, field teams are prioritizing the rehabilitation of fire-damaged peatlands, riverbanks and protected areas. They are planting indigenous and wetland-adapted trees, including bangkal, lanipao, putat, mambog and narra — selected for their ability to retain moisture and withstand drought.
In Davao, DENR personnel have intensified patrols against illegal logging and are checking reforestation sites for seedling survival, pests and fire risks.
The agency also joined Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. and the Obu-Manuvu indigenous community in assessing habitats in Davao City’s Panigan-Tamugan subwatershed to help protect a key source of drinking water.
Cuna said the DENR would continue weekly monitoring of plantation sites and help communities care for seedlings and establish firebreaks to limit losses during El Niño.
Chynna Grace Ong
