DBP boosts DENR’s forest rehab

THE Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) on Monday said it plans to aggressively expand its network of sectoral partners to boost the government’s efforts to rehabilitate forests in the country.

DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus said in a statement the DBP has committed to reforest 7,500 hectares of land through its DBP Forest Program (DFP).

This is also in alignment with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) flagship program which targets planting 5 million indigenous trees by 2028.

The DENR’s Forest for Life: Five Million Trees by 2028, launched in March, aims to restore critical forest ecosystems in Ilocos Norte, Bataan, Rizal, Leyte, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Norte.

Mr. De Jesus said through the DFP, the Bank could help mobilize more partners to conduct reforestation activities.

“As of March 2025, DBP has already reforested 50 project sites and planted 6.65 million seedlings in 6,386 hectares of land in key areas nationwide,” he said. — CAT