DENR6 targets massive greening program in Western Visayas

ILOILO CITY, Feb 23 — Identified areas of mangroves along riverbanks, coastal zones and public lands in all provinces of Western Visayas are up for a massive tree planting and greening program.

The regional offfice here of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR VI) is now ready to embark on a massive tree planting this year, aimed at covering over 27,000 hectares of public land of various forest and fruit tree species, to include mangroves along the riverbanks and coastal communities.

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File photo of the vibrant young mangrove reforestation in the Sibobo-Cagsao area of Camarines Sur.

Regional Director Jim O. Sampulna said that they may already start the project implementation since “we already identified the sites to be planted to, potential people’s organization partners, machineries already in place and guidelines issued.”

This year, DENR VI has a target of 27,411 has. distributed in the provinces of Aklan, 2,744 has., Antique, 4,637 has., Capiz, 6,184 has., Iloilo, 5,803 has., Guimaras, 100 has., and Negros Occidental, 7,943 has.

“This will be a big challenge to all our field operators to ensure that planted seedlings are properly taken cared of. We must ensure low mortality rate of planted materials to make this project a success,” Sampulna said.

Sampulna reiterated the need to strengthen linkages with local government units (LGUs).

“We need the support of LGUs and its officials for the realization of our projects. LGUs play a vital role in the success of our every project,” Sampulna stressed during his recent meeting with the CENR and PENR officers.

Assistant Regional Director for Technical Service Jesse L. Vego, handles the program implementation is optimistic that their office could reach its target on time.

The NGP is a massive forest rehabilitation program which seeks to grow at least 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares nationwide from 2011 to 2016. (PNA)

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