DENR: 3M Trees to Rehab Marikina Watershed
Restoring Resilience: Philippines’ Upper Marikina River Basin reforestation Project Gains Momentum
The Philippines is making significant strides in environmental restoration with a large-scale reforestation initiative in the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected landscape (UMRBPL). The Department of Environment and natural Resources-Forest Management Bureau (DENR-FMB) aims to plant three million trees over the next three years, a crucial step towards increasing forest cover from 24.99 percent to 43 percent by 2028.This enterprising project isn’t just about numbers; itS about rebuilding a vital ecosystem and bolstering the nation’s climate resilience.
A Landscape Shaped by Disaster and Dedicated Recovery
Spanning 26,125.64 hectares across Antipolo city and the municipalities of Baras, Rodriguez, San Mateo, and Tanay in rizal Province, the UMRBPL was officially declared a protected area in 2011, following the devastating impact of Typhoon Ondoy in 2009. Ondoy underscored the critical need for robust watershed protection and biodiversity conservation in the region, which supplies water to a significant portion of Metro Manila.
The reforestation efforts are already yielding positive results. According to FMB Assistant Director Atty. Ray Thomas Kabigting,the increase in closed forest areas demonstrates the success of sustainable reforestation practices. “The rise in closed forest cover signifies that previously degraded or barren areas are now thriving with healthy trees,” he explains, highlighting the change of vulnerable land into more resilient ecosystems.
Data reveals a dynamic shift within the UMRBPL. open forest areas have decreased by 1,138.28 hectares (20.95 percent), a natural progression as forests mature. Simultaneously, 628.47 hectares of shrublands have transitioned into open forests,showcasing the synergistic affect of both human intervention and natural regeneration.
A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Sustainable Growth
The project’s success hinges on a collaborative approach,actively engaging the private sector.As 2021, 45 companies and organizations have adopted 743 hectares of National Greening Program (NGP) graduated sites within the UMRBPL. This adoption model, where businesses and organizations take responsibility for maintaining previously established plantations, is proving to be a key strategy.
DENR-CALABARZON Regional Executive director Nilo Tamoria emphasizes the importance of this partnership. “A key strategy involved private sector participation through the adoption of graduated plantations – previously established sites for the NGP,” he stated.
Government policies have also played a vital role. Executive Order No. 23, imposing a moratorium on timber cutting in natural forests, and Executive Order No. 193, expanding the NGP’s scope to restore denuded lands, have created a supportive framework for long-term forest protection.
Biodiversity and the Future of the UMRBPL
The UMRBPL is a haven for biodiversity, providing a home to numerous endangered and threatened species. The forest supports a rich variety of native trees,including narra,red and white lauan,bagtikan,kamagong,and molave. Wildlife thrives in the area, with populations of Philippine bulbuls, jungle fowl, Philippine deer, wild pigs, and monitor lizards all benefiting from the improved habitat.
The scale of the reforestation effort is substantial.in 2015 alone, nearly four million trees (3,984,600) were planted in the UMRBPL. Between 2021 and 2025, an additional 1,337,839 trees were planted, boasting an impressive 75 percent survival rate.
Looking ahead, the UMRBPL Management Plan 2020-2030 designates the northern section of the watershed as Strict Protection Zones. These areas will be largely off-limits, allowing access only for scientific research and Indigenous ceremonial practices, ensuring the long-term health and integrity of the ecosystem.
The reforestation of the Upper Marikina River Basin is more than just an environmental project; it’s an investment in the philippines’ future, strengthening its climate resilience, conserving vital biodiversity, and demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development. It serves as a powerful example of how collaborative efforts and strategic policies can restore degraded landscapes and secure a healthier planet for generations to come.