(Photo courtesy of PIA)
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is strengthening its Enhanced National Greening Program (NGP) to restore degraded forestlands, protect biodiversity, and reduce the effects of climate change and the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.
DENR Calabarzon Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Eriberto Saños said the program focuses on forest rehabilitation and sustainable management of natural resources to help communities withstand extreme weather conditions.
Saños emphasized that healthy forests play a crucial role in regulating water supply by absorbing rainwater during the wet season and gradually releasing it during dry periods.
He explained that maintaining healthy forests could help reduce the impact of prolonged drought and water shortages associated with El Niño.
The Enhanced NGP serves as one of the DENR’s major environmental initiatives, bringing together government agencies, private organizations, and local communities to support reforestation, conservation, and sustainable land management.
Saños said forest rangers and DENR field personnel regularly monitor forest conditions and conduct resource assessments to identify areas requiring immediate rehabilitation.
These assessments examine changes in forest cover, landscapes, and available natural resources to determine priority locations for reforestation and environmental protection.
The DENR is also coordinating with the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and local government units to regulate water extraction from rivers, lakes, and underground sources.
Saños cited resorts in Pansol, Calamba City, as examples of establishments whose groundwater extraction activities are subject to regulation and water permit requirements.
He stressed that proper monitoring and regulation are necessary to prevent excessive groundwater extraction, particularly during periods of limited rainfall.
Meanwhile, the DENR reported that no incidents of drying waterfalls or other bodies of water have been recorded in Calabarzon so far.
Despite this, the agency continues to monitor water levels and environmental conditions to identify potential threats linked to El Niño and climate change.
The DENR also encouraged the public to practice water conservation, proper waste segregation, and other environmentally responsible activities to help protect natural resources.
The agency maintained that sustained forest protection, responsible water management, and community participation are essential to strengthening environmental resilience against extreme weather conditions.
