Mandatory tree planting for quarry, mining operators

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Government has ordered all quarry operators, mining permittees, and even local government units (LGUs) to conduct mandatory tree planting and donate healthy seedlings as part of intensified reforestation and disaster-mitigation efforts across the province.

Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro issued the directive through a memorandum enforcing Section 3(c)(2) of Provincial Ordinance 2016-21, a long-standing policy that had seen diminished compliance in recent years.

The order follows consecutive flooding incidents during the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, as well as landslides that affected various parts of Cebu.

Under the ordinance, permittees extracting quarry and mineral resources must plant at least one seedling for every cubic meter of material extracted within host communities and neighboring areas. They are also required to donate healthy endemic and fruit-bearing tree seedlings to the province’s nurseries as part of environmental sustainability initiatives.

Operators must likewise establish proper drainage canals within their sites for the duration of their permits—a requirement that must be completed before any renewal is granted.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said LGUs had already been instructed to begin tree-planting initiatives within their respective jurisdictions. He noted that while the ordinance had long existed, compliance had waned over time.

“Naa naman unta na nga ordinance pero nalimtan,” he said.

Empaces stressed that tree planting should be part of every quarry operator’s post-environmental responsibility, with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) tasked to oversee the activities.

He added that during the latest department meeting, Baricuatro again directed the province and all stakeholders to proactively undertake tree-planting efforts.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco said the Provincial Board will review all existing ordinances related to tree planting to ensure alignment with the governor’s directive. He said the legislative body is prepared to amend or craft new measures if necessary to harmonize environmental policies and strengthen disaster-mitigation programs.

Soco disclosed that he has already endorsed a draft ordinance to Board Member Antonio “Jojo” Bacaltos, chairperson of the Committee on Planning and Development. The proposed measure seeks to require all horizontal and vertical developments in Cebu to install water-catchment and rainwater-harvesting facilities.

He also highlighted the need to enforce permeability requirements in development projects, stressing that each site must maintain at least 30 to 60 percent permeable surfaces to allow water to seep into the ground.

“It is also a law. It is a requirement that any development should have at least 30% for open spaces,” he said.

Soco noted that excessive cementing in developments has worsened runoff and flooding, and that integrating tree-planting initiatives would complement efforts to expand permeable and open spaces.

Existing laws already require developments to allocate at least 30 percent of their areas for open spaces, he said.

“These open spaces should not be idle,” Soco emphasized, adding that they must contain trees, vegetation, parks, and proper green infrastructure.

The vice governor expressed full support for Baricuatro’s environmental initiatives, saying these measures are essential to preventing future disasters in the province. — /FPL (FREEMAN)