CAPOOCAN, LEYTE — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 8 (DENR-8), Energy Development Corporation (EDC), and the Visares and Sto. Niño Farmers Association (VisFA) have joined forces to reforest 60 hectares in Barangay Visares, Capoocan, Leyte, under the "Forest for Life: 5 Million Trees by 2028" program.
Strategic Reforestation Plan Targets Indigenous Canopy Restoration
The tripartite agreement establishes a community-driven framework to restore local forest cover beginning in December 2026:
Targeted Native Species: A total of 37,500 indigenous tree seedlings—including Yakal, Nato, Manaybanay, and Hindang—will be planted during the regional rainy season to optimize seedling survival and long-term establishment.
Tripartite Institutional Roles: DENR-8 will deliver technical assistance, delineate the project site, and oversee environmental impact monitoring; EDC will supply financial and logistical support for seedling production and maintenance; VisFA will provide the local workforce and maintain regular protective patrols.
Community Livelihood Integration: The project directly generates employment and income opportunities for 45 VisFA members, who are tasked with maintaining a minimum seedling survival rate of 85 percent across the three-year agreement.
Protecting Vital Watershed Systems and Geothermal Operations
The reforested area lies directly within the Palaypay watershed and the Kahamtikan river system, offering key ecological benefits for northern Leyte:
Watershed and Habitat Enhancement: Expanding forest cover will stabilize soil, reduce surface runoff and sedimentation, restore wildlife habitats, and increase carbon sequestration across the Palaypay watershed.
Securing Renewable Energy Infrastructure: Reforestation safeguards EDC's nearby geothermal facilities by enhancing water retention and regulating local hydrological flows essential for clean energy generation.
Inter-Agency Governance: A Technical Working Group comprising DENR, EDC, VisFA, and the Local Government Unit of Capoocan will supervise operations to ensure coordinated and sustainable project execution.
