DENR to hold synchronized tree planting along 3,489-km highway

By PURIFICACION S. DALOOS, (DENR 8)
August 8, 2006

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will launch “Green  Philippine Highways,” a massive tree planting on August 25 which will simultaneously take place along the country’s three major highways, covering a total length of 3, 439 kilometers.

DENR Secretary Angelo T. Reyes said that the “Green Philippine Highways” project is meant to promote the image of every Filipino as planter of trees.

“At the national level, this activity is to promote an advocacy on living a way of life where a citizen not only plants but also nurtures,” Reyes explained, that the goal is to make communities that link these highways become custodians of their environment.

“When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and seeds of hope. We also secure the future of our children and our children’s children.” he said.

Included in the synchronized planting are the entire lengths of the Pan-Philippine Highway (Laoag City to Davao City; 2,176.40 kms.), Manila North Road (Laoag to Manila; 439.20 kms.), and the West Nautical Highway (Batangas City to Zamboanga Sibugay; 823.90 kms.).

Around 500,000 seedlings will be needed for the activity to be able to plant both sides of the highways at an interval of 10 meters per seedling.

In the Eastern Visayas Region (Region 8), a total of 294.34 kilometers length of highway covering 32 municipalities from Allen, Northern Samar to Liloan Southern Leyte will be subject of the tree planting program. Regional Executive Director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca disclosed that more than 26,000 seedlings of indigenous forest trees and ornamental species will be planted for the said activity.

Reyes has issued instructions to senior DENR Field Officials to assure the availability of the seedlings and coordinate with provincial, city, and municipal government units to take part in the activity.

He said that the DENR is also set to coordinate with other key national government agencies namely, the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of National Defense, the Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Reyes has likewise ordered DENR Field offices to hold consultation meetings with the local government officials to formulate memoranda of agreements on the proper maintenance and protection of the planted trees to ensure their survival and growth.

“At the cores of this undertaking are the LGUs which, as I have repeatedly emphasized, are the final arbitrator whether or not government’s plans and programs are to be sustained.’ Reyes said.