This year DENR planting 2.8 M seedlings

CEBU, Philippines - Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 is aiming to reach the goal of planting 2.816 million of seedlings this year under its National Greening Program (NGP).

DENR-7 director Maximo O. Dichoso said the program is one way of addressing problems on poverty, food security, among others.

Dichoso said forest provides stable watershed function and nutrients, steady supply of food and shelter for wildlife, ample supply of seeds and wildings, protection from heavy rains and storms, windbreaker, prevention of flash floods and landslides and revival of biodiversity.

The 2.816 million of seedlings are classified as native and indigenous plant species of agro forestry which will cover 5,632 hectares with Cebu province having the biggest target of 1,954 hectares or 34.69 percent; Negros Oriental, 1,864 hectares or 33.10 percent; Bohol, 1,563 hectares or 27.75 percent; and Siquijor, 251 hectares or 4.46 percent.

Nearly 300 kilos of quality seeds of various tree species or 737,261 seedlings are now ready to be sown as part of the activities of the national greening program. The NGP is the priority of President Aquino in an attempt to bring back the lost forest of the country.

In executive Order No. 26 issued on February 24, 2011, President Aquino tasked the DENR to pilot the implementation of NGP with the members of the steering committee under the Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform and DENR Convergence Initiative to comprise the program’s Oversight Committee.

The program’s partners also include the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of National Defense, local government units, People’s Organizations, Indigenous Peoples, agrarian Reform Communities, Private and Business Sectors, Civil Society Organizations and other stakeholders.

Strategic planning workshops and coordination meetings are underway to ensure the implementation of the NGP in the region. — (FREEMAN)