LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Bicol (DENR-5) has announced plans to plant 3.5 million seedlings in various forest areas across the six provinces of the region as part of its Enhanced National Greening Program. This initiative was highlighted during the kick-off celebration of Environment Month, which took place at a press conference on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Regional Director for Management Services at DENR-5, the target planting area spans approximately 2,113 hectares, with specific allocations per province: 100 hectares in Albay, 620 hectares in Camarines Norte, 439 hectares in Camarines Sur, 221 hectares in Catanduanes, 525 hectares in Masbate, and 208 hectares in Sorsogon. Astor detailed that local community organizations, particularly those in tenured areas, will play a significant role in the development and rehabilitation of these sites, reinforcing the agency's collaboration with local stakeholders.
The planting schedule is set to begin with the rainy season, spanning from the third to the fourth quarter of the year, ensuring optimal growth conditions for the seedlings. Ronnel C. Sopsop, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, emphasized that the DENR's efforts extend beyond reforestation to include coastal clean-ups, wildlife conservation, and sustainable resource management, with the overarching goal of maintaining a healthy environment for current and future generations.
The initiative is a central feature of this year's Philippine Environment Month, themed 'Our Environment, Our Future.' Planned activities for the month-long celebration include World Ocean's Day and Coral Triangle Day, with events such as "Scubasureros," simultaneous coastal clean-ups, mangrove planting, and tree-growing activities.