Private Sector Urged to Join Forest Restoration Efforts
MANILA, Philippines — After recent floods linked to weather disturbances, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has called on the private sector to join forest restoration efforts. This initiative is seen as a strategic path toward earning carbon credits and enhancing climate resilience.
Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla highlighted that forests are valuable not only environmentally but economically. He explained that carbon credits are permits allowing countries or organizations to emit a certain amount of carbon, which can be traded if unused.
“Are we going to simply see ourselves as producers of carbon credits? Can we take a look at how we can catch or capture part of the value added?” Lotilla asked. He added that the Philippines can aim to become a carbon credit hub, not just regionally but globally, and explore the economic opportunities this presents.
Strengthening Public-Private Cooperation for Impact
Lotilla shared that the DENR is refining policies and frameworks for carbon credit trading. He stressed the importance of public-private cooperation to maximize both environmental benefits and economic gains.
This call to action follows a recent memorandum of agreement between DENR and the Ayala Group of Companies under the Forests for Life: 5 Million Trees by 2028 program. The program targets planting at least five million indigenous trees across critical watershed areas in Ilocos Norte, Bataan, Rizal, Leyte, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Norte by 2028.
According to sources, the program aims to restore vital ecological areas, especially watersheds, using native tree species. These are intended not for harvesting but for long-term forest protection. The restored forests will provide lasting ecosystem services such as cleaner air and water, biodiversity conservation, and reduction of disaster risks. These efforts also support the country’s commitments to global climate action.
Roles and Responsibilities in the Restoration Program
The agreement assigns partners the responsibility to carry out reforestation activities including site preparation, seedling production, tree planting, and maintenance. Partners may also contribute resources to community mobilization and educational campaigns supporting the program.
The DENR’s Forest Management Bureau and regional offices are tasked with identifying suitable reforestation sites, providing technical assistance, monitoring program progress, and ensuring transparency through a public partner registry.
Participation offers tangible benefits such as sustainability certification, possible tax incentives, employee engagement, and formal recognition in environmental reports and public platforms, local leaders noted.
For more news and updates on forest restoration efforts, visit Filipinokami.com.
