A Day in the Life of a Forest Guard: Mr. Junrey Lastimoso

From sunrise to sundown, Junrey patrols the reforested lands—checking tree seedlings, clearing overgrowth, and guarding against illegal activities such as tree-cutting without permits and Kaingin (slash-and-burn farming).

Junrey is a member of the Compostela Farmers Association, one of the four People’s Organization partners of NSFI in the town of Alegria, Cebu. These organizations implement a community-based forest management approach to forest conservation—part of which is the care and maintenance of the tree seedlings, and the protection of the forestlands. This initiative forms part of NSFI’s Watershed Area Transformation for Environmental Resilience (WATER) Reforestation Project.

As a forest guard and steward, Junrey plays a vital role. Every step he takes contributes to restoring healthy forest cover and strengthening local conservation. His daily patrols remind us that reforestation is a long-term commitment and a shared responsibility among institutions, partners, and communities.

Mr. Junrey’s work is a powerful reminder—by protecting our forests, we also protect and improve the lives of those who depend on them.