DENR-DPWH Roadside tree planting, answer to tree-cutting

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/931435735187/denr-dpwh-roadside-tree-planting-answer-to-tree-cutting
• Wednesday, July 1, 2015

By Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, July 1 (PIA6) - - The regional offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH in Western Visayas have agreed to further enhance their partnership in the tree planting and growing along roadsides of the region.

DENR 6 Director Jim Sampulna and DPWH 6 Director Edilberto Tayao formalized the agreement with the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Tuesday, June 30, at the DPWH 6 Conference Room here. DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Demetrio Ignacio, Jr. and DPWH Undersecretary for Technical Services Raul Asis also signed as witnesses to the MOA.

In his message, Ignacio commended the DPWH for the initiative and hoped that this will be replicated nationwide.

He said roadside tree cutting has become a major issue in infrastructure projects “maraming infrastructure projects natin, yong pinakamalalaki yan po ay naantala, nadedelay yan dahil sa isyu ng tree cutting.

Ignacio said the roadside tree planting activity of the DPWH is an ideal solution to the roadside tree cutting problem.

“Mawawala ang problema sa tree cutting sa roadside kung ang DPWH ang magtatanim dahil alam niyo kung saan magtatanim,” said Ignacio.

Under the agreement, DENR shall assist the DPWH in the survey and mapping of identified areas in the determination of appropriate species to be planted which it will provide. It will also provide technical assistance to the DPWH in their tree planting and growing activities and assist in the conduct of periodic monitoring and documentation of the said tree plantation.

On its part, DPWH in coordination with DENR will identify and conduct survey and mapping of roadsides that will be subjected to tree planting activities it will undertake as an integral part of its regular road maintenance program. It will also maintain a close coordination with DENR in the implementation of the activity. Likewise, conduct a periodic monitoring and decumentation of the established plantations.

The initiative is also in accordance with DPWH Department Order No. 15 series of 2000 and DPWH being a partner of DENR in the implementation of the National Greening Program as mandated under Executive Order No. 26 issued by President Benigno Aquino III.

DPWH Department Order No. 15 makes the planting of trees along national roads as a standard component of all road construction and improvement projects requiring the inclusion of said activity to the engineering design, program of work, estimates budget, and bidding and contract documents of these projects.

All the provincial and city environment and natural resources officers of DENR and district engineers of DPWH in the region are also involve to ensure that the implementation of the program at the field level will be successful.

The joint efforts seeks to address the following: to add value to urban areas; to mitigate climate change; to enhance beauty of the roadside; to provide shed to commuters; and to minimize glare from sunlight to drivers along the roads. (JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

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