The Philippines recorded significant progress in reforestation, water security, and environmental governance in 2025 despite increasingly extreme and unpredictable weather, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported.
Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the agency’s efforts align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen climate resilience as the country faces more intense rainfall, flooding, and water stress.
Based on 2025 data from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, the DENR reported a net forest gain of 53,952 hectares in Luzon from 2020 to 2025 — an achievement recognized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. From 2022 to September 2025, the agency planted 62 million seedlings across nearly 99,000 hectares, prioritizing critical watersheds and water-stressed areas. The initiative also generated more than 760,000 local jobs.
To sustain momentum, the DENR launched the “Forests for Life” campaign, initially targeting five million trees by 2028. The program has since expanded to a 10-million-tree goal with growing private sector participation. Forest protection was also reinforced through the hiring of more than 2,000 forest rangers.
Lotilla noted that severe flooding occurred even in the absence of tropical cyclones. Metro Manila recorded 134.2 millimeters of rainfall in a single day on August 30, while Typhoon Tino dumped 183 millimeters over Cebu in just two days — equivalent to more than a month’s rainfall.
“These extraordinary conditions require extraordinary responses from both government and society,” Lotilla said.
Water security became a central priority, with the DENR installing desalination and filtration systems in 28 island communities, benefiting an estimated 28,000 residents. The agency also completed a draft National Flood Master Plan in August 2025, combining nature-based solutions and traditional infrastructure to improve water capture and flood resilience.
Other key initiatives include expanded protected areas totaling 7.87 million hectares, stronger plastic waste recovery under the Extended Producer Responsibility Act, streamlined mining regulation, and closer coordination with the Department of Energy to reduce environmental risks from renewable energy projects.
Lotilla emphasized that environmental protection requires sustained collaboration among government, communities, businesses, and international partners.|
