PB member seeks backing for DENR highway project

Provincial Board member Victor Maambong is pushing for the passage of a proposed measure expressing support for the move of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in embarking on a Green Philippine Highways project.

This is in view of the nationwide launching of the said project on August 25 where there will be simultaneous tree-planting activities.

In Cebu, the identified tree-planting sites span from Minglanilla to Sibonga, from Argao to Santander, and from Naga road to some parts of Toledo City, all in the south.

Identified sites in the north are highways stretching from Consolacion to Carmen.

"The project of the DENR is intended to minimize pollutants emitted by the growing number of vehicles plying the roads," Maambong's proposed measure read.

Board member Teresita Celis, who is the sectoral representative of the Association of Barangay Councils to the PB being its provincial chapter president, is co-sponsoring the said proposed measure.

Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes will be spearheading the nationwide launching of the Green Philippine Highways project along the West Nautical highway shoulders, spanning from the boundary between Mabinay in Oriental Negros and Kabankalan in Negros Occidental to Tambubo Bay at Siaton in Negros Oriental, via Dumaguete City.

The Green Philippines Highway project has been designed to strengthen the concern of all sectors for the country's environment through rehabilitation of specified sites with trees.

The core message of this project is: "Do more than just belong, Participate; Do more than just care, Help; Do more than just believe, Practice; Do more than just dream, Work."

DENR has been tasked to provide technical support to the project, including the identification and preparation of planting sites as well as in the provision of planting materials and in ensuring suitable plant species, preferably indigenous tree species.

It is also obligated to coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways and other government agencies in transporting the seedling and participants of the said project.

The participating agencies include Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, Department of Public Works and Highways and other government agencies.

Non-governmental organizations, civic organizations, the business sector as well as the religious sector are also encouraged to participate in the said government endeavor.

The adopters of the identified segments of the Green Philippine Highways will be awarded with a certificate of tree stewardship signifying their intention to undertake the planting, care and maintenance of the trees for a minimum period of three years.

A standard placard/billboard acknowledging the name of the adopter shall also be put up on the assigned segment to reflect sponsorship of the project in that particular area. - Cristina C. Birondo