DENR-7 surpasses program target

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 has exceeded by nine percent its National Greening Program plantation target in 2014.

Based on the report of the department’s Forest Management Services, as of November 7 last year, DENR-7 produced around 15,799,018 seedlings of native and indigenous species, and reforested about 19,614.22 hectares, way above its 17,946-hectare target.

“For four 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 uplands by providing livelihood opportunities to the members of a people’s organization,” said DENR-7 executive director Isabelo Montejo in a statement.

Under the NGP, the report said Cebu was able to plant 4,430,430 seedlings in 7,071.40 hectares, which was 36 percent of the regional target. Bohol planted 3,460,075 seedlings in 3,884.82-hectare plantation, adding 19.8 percent of the target.

Negros Oriental accomplished 7,812, 0217 seedlings in 8,473 hectares or 43.2 percent of the target while Siquijor completed the one-percent target of 96,500 seedlings in 185 hectares.

“We are very thankful with the continued help and support that we are getting from our private partners, POs, local government units and other stakeholders, we hope for a stronger collaboration with these partners in our future programs, projects and activities,” Montejo said.

NGP aims to plant trees in the country’s 1.5 million hectares of degraded forest to help solve climate change and develop a sustainable forest resource.

The project was implemented in 2011.

“With the concerted efforts of the DENR, government agencies, non-government organizations and other private partners, we are confident that we can meet the NGP target for Region 7 in the next two years,” Montejo said. — Liv G. Campo/LPM (FREEMAN)