DENR focusing on 7 programs

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-7 will intensify the implementation of seven priority programs, consistent with the Philippine Development Plan of the current administration.

These banner programs are the national greening program (NGP), anti-illegal logging campaign, cadastral survey, "adopt an estero" program, clean air and water, geohazard mapping and assessment, and patent issuance.

Isabelo Montejo, DENR-7 regional executive director, said NGP remains at the top spot among the seven programs as DENR tries to pursue a massive forest rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Under Executive Order No. 26, NGP aims to grow about 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares nationwide within a six-year period from 2011 to 2016.

Montejo, in a statement sent to The FREEMAN, said cadastral survey would also be heightened as it is considered a tool in efficient patent distribution to accelerate economic development at the countryside.

On the anti-illegal logging campaign, Montejo has directed all provincial and community and environment and natural resources officers and the legal division to file cases or complaints against certain individuals who violated the moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in natural and residual forests.

On the other hand, geohazard mapping and assessment aims to identify areas in the country which are susceptible or vulnerable to various geologic hazards, or geohazards in a zoom-in scale of 1:10,000. DENR would determine possible relocation sites.

Meanwhile, the adopt-an-estero or water body program is a collaborative undertaking between and among communities along esteros or creeks and rivers, concerned local government units, private sector and the DENR to achieve a cleaner, safer and healthier environment.

Montejo further said that they would also closely monitor air and water quality based on standards so that appropriate interventions and measures will be adopted with the concerned local government units.  (FREEMAN)