Exec optimistic program can help address Climate Change

CEBU, Philippines - The government’s National Greening Program or NGP is seen to address the threats brought about by Climate Change.

Doctor Eddie Llamedo, spokesperson of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said trees planted through NGP are resilient enough and adaptive to climate extremes.

 “The tress can withstand winds caused by strong typhoons and hold much amount of water from rainfall. They can help mitigate climate change,” he said.

 “Trees will absorb carbon dioxide which is one of the greenhouse gases. They give a cooler environment and reduce the heat index and in urban areas,” he added.

The agency has produced around 13,911,120 seedlings of native and indigenous species.

 Llamedo said the initiative resulted to the reforestation of about 15,881 hectares of forest land in Central Visayas.

 With the gradual recovery of forest cover, Llamedo said trees will also enhance biodiversity as it is home for plants and animals.

 DENR-7 Director Isabelo Montejo, for his part, said the project seeks to improve water quality in rivers and irrigation for farm lands, reduce the potential for flooding and lay the foundation for an expanded wood-products economy, among others.

 Apart from environment development, Montejo said the project also helped generate livelihood. At least 27,000 people were commissioned to plant trees at P12 per seedling.

 “For five years now since its implementation in 2011, Region 7 has always been on top when it comes to NGP as it rejuvenates rural economies particularly in the upland area by providing livelihood opportunities to the members of the people’s organization,” he said.

 Of the total accomplishment, Cebu province yielded 3,010,600 seedlings planted in 4,792 hectares or 30.17 percent; Bohol with 4,316,500 seedlings in 3,359 hectares or 21. 15 percent; Negros Oriental with 6,473,520 seedlings in 7,545.59 hectares or 47.51 percent; and Siquijor with 110,500 seedlings in 185 hectares or 1.16 percent.

 NGP is one of the flagship programs of the Aquino Administration targeted at greening some 1.5 million hectares of degraded forest lands in the country.

 It also aims to develop a sustainable forest resource base to accelerate the national greening campaign to address poverty alleviation.  (FREEMAN)