By Mary Therese D. Ancheta and Melissa A. Balbag
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — Ilocos Norte has reinforced its environmental initiatives this year, prioritizing reforestation and solid waste management under the National Greening Program (NGP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
According to Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Victor Dabalos, a total of 550 hectares in Adams, Bangui, Dumalneg, Pasuquin, Vintar, Solsona, Carasi, and Piddig are targeted for tree planting.
Of this, 375 hectares will be planted with timber species such as narra, while 35 hectares in Solsona will be developed into bamboo plantations.
“These initiatives restore our forests and protect our communities from disasters. During the rainy season, deciduous trees flourish, making our mountains greener and more resilient despite frequent typhoons,” Dabalos said.
Protecting forests, communities
The DENR safeguards protected areas through the regular deployment of forest rangers, protection officers, and Lawin patrol teams.
Tree plantations are also being established to serve as barriers against soil erosion and landslides, although natural hazards like earthquakes and strong storms still pose challenges.
Strengthening waste management
Alongside reforestation, the DENR is reinforcing proper solid waste management in the province.
Evaluations show that Ilocos Norte has sufficient landfill areas, but effective waste segregation remains critical to reducing landfill waste.
“Waste management should start at home. Proper segregation ensures that only minimal garbage reaches landfills, which is especially important during the rainy season,” Dabalos stressed.
He added that the DENR closely monitors local government units (LGUs) to ensure that barangays enforce household-level waste practices, noting that all 23 LGUs in Ilocos Norte are compliant with the province’s waste management initiative.
Land ownership programs
The agency has also surpassed its land ownership certification targets this year.
From a goal of 150 residential patents, the DENR has already released 182 patents, while also surpassing its 174 agricultural patent goal by releasing over 400 patents to farmers.
Dabalos reminded residents that the success of these programs depends on community participation.
“Protecting the environment starts at home. By planting trees, practicing waste segregation, and caring for our surroundings, we can ensure a greener and safer future for Ilocos Norte,” he said. (CCMT/MTDA/MAB, PIA Ilocos Norte)
