DENR Highlights Forest Recovery, Water Security Reforms as Extreme Weather Intensifies

News | Environment Posted on 2026-01-03 00:14:26

MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported significant progress in forest restoration, water management, and environmental governance in 2025, even as the Philippines faced more frequent and unpredictable extreme weather events.

Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the agency’s initiatives are aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen climate resilience and help the country adapt to the new normal of intense rainfall, flooding, and water stress.

In his year-end report, Lotilla noted that severe flooding occurred in several areas despite the absence of tropical cyclones. Metro Manila, including Quezon City, recorded 134.2 millimeters of rainfall in a single day on Aug. 30—almost equivalent to a week’s worth of rain. In Cebu, Typhoon Tino dumped 183 millimeters of rainfall in just two days, or about one and a half months’ worth of precipitation.

“These conditions show that we are dealing with extraordinary challenges that require extraordinary responses—not only from government, but from the whole of society,” Lotilla said.

Forest recovery and land management

The DENR cited a net forest gain of 53,952 hectares in Luzon from 2020 to 2025, based on 2025 data from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, a milestone 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 reforestation drive also generated more than 760,000 jobs for local communities.

To sustain momentum, the DENR launched the “Forests for Life: 5 Million Trees by 2028” campaign, later expanded to a 10-million-tree target with strong private sector backing. Forest protection was further strengthened through the hiring of more than 2,000 additional forest rangers.

Land titling efforts also advanced, with the issuance of over 63,000 agricultural patents, 63,000 residential patents, and more than 3,000 special patents for schools and government institutions between July 2022 and September 2025.

Water security and flood resilience

Water security emerged as a central priority in 2025, prompting the DENR to adopt an integrated approach to address flooding, water scarcity, and pollution.

Through its Water Resources Management Office, the agency installed desalination and filtration systems in 28 island communities, expected to benefit around 28,000 people within the year.

Flood management reforms focused on closer coordination with infrastructure agencies to ensure projects align with river basin and integrated water resource management plans. A draft National Flood Master Plan was completed in August 2025, blending nature-based solutions with conventional infrastructure and emphasizing water capture for irrigation, drinking water, and other productive uses.

“Flood management is not just about removing water, but about using it wisely,” Lotilla said.

Waste management and environmental protection

The DENR reported strong compliance with the Extended Producer Responsibility Act, which mandates large companies to recover and divert plastic waste. As of October 2025, recovery rates exceeded 56 percent, surpassing the mandatory 40 percent target for 2024.

Protected areas were expanded to 7.87 million hectares across 251 sites, including 14 ASEAN Heritage Parks. The agency also strengthened its response to environmental incidents affecting marine and coastal ecosystems.

Mining, renewable energy, and partnerships

The DENR streamlined mining permit processes while formalizing small-scale mining through the declaration of 19 new Minahang Bayan sites since 2022. The small-scale mining sector now accounts for nearly a quarter of the country’s annual gold production.

Renewable energy projects—such as offshore wind and floating solar—were coordinated with the Department of Energy to minimize environmental impacts while supporting the country’s clean energy transition.

Lotilla emphasized that effective environmental governance requires a whole-of-society approach, highlighting the importance of strong partnerships with local governments, communities, the private sector, and international partners.

“Protecting our environment means strengthening systems—from forests and water resources to marine ecosystems and climate leadership,” he said.