Restoring the Watershed, Securing the Future

Verum Terra Geoscience Inc. has successfully completed the planting of 10,000 native trees across 25 hectares of degraded watershed areas within and adjacent to its mining tenement in Eastern Samar. The reforestation project, part of the company’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP), represents one of the largest private-sector tree planting initiatives in the region.

Indigenous Species Selection

In close consultation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local environmental experts, the company selected indigenous tree species that are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions:

• Narra (Pterocarpus indicus): The Philippine national tree, valued for its hardwood and nitrogen-fixing properties
• Molave (Vitex parviflora): A premium hardwood species known for its durability and resistance to pests
• Yakal (Shorea astylosa): A dipterocarp species that contributes to the restoration of primary forest ecosystems
• Tanguile (Shorea polysperma): A fast-growing timber species that provides rapid canopy cover
• Ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala): Used as a pioneer species to improve soil fertility in degraded areas
• Bamboo (Various species): Planted along riverbanks for erosion control and water quality protection

Community Participation

The reforestation project was implemented with the active participation of over 300 community volunteers from host and neighboring barangays. Volunteers received training on proper planting techniques, seedling care, and the ecological importance of watershed conservation. Each participating family was also provided with fruit tree seedlings for their home gardens as an incentive for participation.

The company’s Environmental Officer explained: “Reforestation is not just about planting trees — it is about restoring entire ecosystems. By using native species and involving the community, we ensure that these forests will be valued and protected for generations to come.”

Monitoring and Maintenance

Verum Terra has established a dedicated team to monitor the survival and growth of planted seedlings, with regular assessment reports submitted to the DENR. The company maintains a target survival rate of 85% after the first year, with replanting activities scheduled for any areas where mortality exceeds acceptable thresholds. A three-year maintenance program includes fire line construction, weeding, and fertilization to ensure the successful establishment of the reforested areas.