Samar Island Natural Park Headquarters – The Green Samar Project officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony held on September 4, 2026, at the Samar Island Natural Park Headquarters. The event brought together government officials, DENR representatives, local leaders, private groups, international partners, and other stakeholders who share a common goal of protecting Samar’s forests and natural resources.
The project focuses on forest restoration, biodiversity protection, bamboo development, and livelihood opportunities for communities. It also aims to show that protecting the environment can go together with helping families earn a living and improving local communities.
Among the key attendees were Hon. Sharee Ann Tan, Governor of the Province of Samar; Hon. Christopher Sheen Gonzales, Congressman of Eastern Samar; Hon. Atty. Eunice Babalcon, Vice Mayor of Paranas, Samar; Mr. Fabio Ferrari, CEO of aDryada; Ms. Fabiola Flex, Head of Public Affairs of aDryada; Mr. Ruben Diego O. Picardo, President of Green Samar BioSPV; Mr. Allan Montelibano, Representative of Audax Global; Ms. Aya Fernandez, Founder of Eco Uling; and Dr. Nestor O. Gregorio, Manager of Samar Bio SPV Corporation.
Also present were Atty. Thomas F. Kabigting, Assistant Director of the Forest Management Bureau of DENR Central; Mr. Arturo N. Salazar, Regional Executive Director of DENR Region 8; Mr. Angelito B. Villanueva, OIC, ARD for Technical Services; and Ms. Leona Tumamak, Park Operations Superintendent of SINP.
The Province of Samar was also represented by Board Members Hon. Yolanda Tan, Hon. Elpa de Jesus, Hon. Luzviminda Nacario, and Hon. Bembot Bermejo. DENR field officials Allen SJ. Cebuano, OIC PENR Officer, Samar; Mr. Glenn B. Garciano, CENR Officer, CENRO Catbalogan; and Mr. Tito C. Taripe, OIC CENR Officer, CENRO Sta. Rita, were likewise in attendance.
During the first part of the program, messages highlighted the need for cooperation among government offices, communities, and private partners. Atty. Thomas F. Kabigting delivered the message from the DENR Central Office and stressed the importance of working together to protect Samar’s natural resources.
Mr. Fabio Ferrari of aDryada expressed appreciation for the partnership and the support given by government agencies and local stakeholders. Congressman Christopher Sheen Gonzales also spoke about the importance of the Samar Island Natural Park and welcomed the project as a way to strengthen cooperation between Samar and Eastern Samar.
Mr. Ruben Diego O. Picardo of Green Samar BioSPV shared the story behind the project and its goal of restoring and protecting forests for the long term. Governor Sharee Ann Tan, meanwhile, pointed out the need to address poverty while caring for the environment. She highlighted bamboo development as one possible source of livelihood for local communities.
Governor Sharee Ann Tan also recognized the efforts of the Municipality of Paranas and its leadership, particularly its community based tourism programs and for the strong advocate in the environment conservation and protection . She also thanked Green Samar BioSPV and aDryada for their support.
The ceremonial program ended with closing remarks from Mr. Angelito B. Villanueva, OIC ARD for Technical Services who recalled the journey of the Green Samar Project and called for continued cooperation among all those involved.
The second part of the activity marked the formal groundbreaking. A Green Time Capsule was placed as a symbol of the shared commitment to restore and protect Samar’s forests for future generations.
The ceremony was followed by a tree planting activity, where government officials, project partners, and stakeholders took part in planting trees. The simple activity carried a clear message: the Green Samar Project is not only about plans and partnerships but also about taking action on the ground.
The event ended with a lunch fellowship hosted by DENR at the SINP Headquarters. It gave the participants a chance to continue their conversations, strengthen their partnerships, and look ahead to the next steps of the Green Samar Project.
The groundbreaking marked a meaningful start for a project that seeks to bring together forest protection, biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihood, and community development toward a greener future for Samar Island.
