In 2013, a 100-hectare ecological restoration site in Tadao, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte was officially awarded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as part of the National Greening Program (NGP)—the Philippine government’s flagship reforestation and climate resilience initiative. This site stands as one of the most ambitious and scientifically grounded restoration efforts in the region, driven by a long-term vision of biodiversity recovery and sustainable land management.

The restoration initiative was led by Northwestern University’s Ecological Restoration Unit and its research partner, the Northwestern University Ecological and Biodiversity Garden (NUEBG). Over a span of three years, more than 130,000 native tree seedlings were propagated and planted, with the goal of restoring the site’s natural forest profile, which includes vegetation types such as forest over limestone and semi-evergreen tropical rainforest.

A cornerstone of the project was the integration of over 30 framework species, following the guidelines of the Forest Restoration Research Unit (FORRU) of Chiang Mai University in Thailand. These species were selected for their ecological functions—fast growth, high survival rates, canopy formation, and the ability to attract wildlife—thereby accelerating natural regeneration and ecosystem recovery.

Importantly, the success of the project was made possible through the active involvement of local partner farmer organizations. These communities played a vital role in site preparation, planting, maintenance, and monitoring. Their participation not only ensured the sustainability of the restoration work but also fostered environmental stewardship and provided alternative livelihoods aligned with conservation goals.

The Tadao restoration site now serves as a living model for ecological rehabilitation, contributing to reforestation, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and disaster risk reduction. It stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between science, government, and communities in restoring the Philippines’ degraded landscapes.

Propagation of hundred thousand native trees