The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Forest Management Bureau (DENR–FMB) announced plans to accelerate the reforestation of the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL) by planting three million trees over the next three years. The goal is to increase forest cover to 43 percent, up from the current 24.99 percent.
The UMRBPL was declared a protected area under Proclamation No. 296 on September 26, 2011—two years after Typhoon Ondoy devastated Marikina City, lower Rizal Province, and parts of Metro Manila. The proclamation aimed to conserve the area’s biodiversity, protect watersheds, and promote the sustainable management of its natural resources.
The protected area spans 26,125.64 hectares, covering the city of Antipolo and the municipalities of Baras, Rodriguez, San Mateo, and Tanay, all in Rizal Province.
Among the endangered species found in the area are forest trees such as narra, red and white lauan, bagtikan, kamagong, and molave. Wildlife includes birds like the Philippine bulbul, black-naped oriole, and jungle fowl; mammals such as the Philippine deer, wild pig, and Philippine monkey; and herpetofauna like forest frogs and monitor lizards.
DENR–FMB Assistant Director Atty. Ray Thomas Kabigting emphasized the ecological importance of increasing closed forest cover—denser forests that support greater biodiversity. “The rise in closed forest cover signifies that previously degraded or barren areas are now thriving with healthy trees,” he said. “This reflects the positive effects of sustainable forest management and reforestation efforts.”
He noted that the expansion of closed forests has resulted in a 1,138.28-hectare (20.95%) decrease in open forest areas, indicating a healthy ecological transition. Additionally, 628.47 hectares (1.77%) of shrublands have developed into open forests through reforestation and natural regeneration.
DENR–CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria said that since 2021, 45 companies and organizations have partnered with DENR and local people’s organizations to adopt 743 hectares of National Greening Program (NGP) graduated sites in the UMRBPL. “A key strategy involved private sector participation through the adoption of previously established NGP plantations,” he said.
Tamoria attributed the forest cover improvements to the NGP, which began in 2011—the same year UMRBPL was declared a protected area—and was further reinforced by Executive Order No. 23, which imposed a moratorium on timber harvesting in natural and residual forests.
