Pangasinan eco-project plants 150K seedlings, eyes 1M trees
Reforestation requires collective action
By Mat Richter
The Pangasinan provincial government, through its Green Canopy project, planted 149,964 seedlings in the province from February to December 2023, aiming to reach one million trees in three years.
According to the Provincial Population, Cooperative, and Livelihood Development Office (PPCLDO) report, 98 tree-planting activities in 36 local government units (LGUs) were seen over 11 months. The 1st Congressional District led in total seedlings planted, accounting for 40 percent, followed by the 2nd District at 29 percent.

Striving to restore deforested mountains and lands for protection against flash floods, soil erosion, and the province’s scorching heat, the program requires each LGU to plant and nurture at least 25,000 seedlings, which PPCLDO monitors through regular visitations.
The provincial information office said that trees to be planted must be native, rare, endangered, and fruit-bearing, with priority reforestation efforts focused on watersheds, riverbanks, coasts, and other vulnerable areas.
As part of the initiative, the 20-hectare Pangasinan Eco Park in Bugallon is halfway complete and is set to open to visitors in 2025.
The project initially aimed to plant one million trees by June 2024.