Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn C. Bambalan issued on July 3 Regional Special Order No. 2020-190 creating teams to conduct cross validation of NGP plantations established in Calendar Years 2015 to 2017.

 

The teams composed of the NGP coordinators in the PENROs and CENROs, and extension officers conducted 100 percent inventory of planted seedlings in every sampling plot randomly selected; and determined the spacing, species and condition of the planted seedlings. They also interviewed the program beneficiaries; conducted ocular inspection of one site each for plantations established in 2011 to 2014; and reviewed secondary documents.

 

As recommended by the teams, the DENR will strengthen collaboration with the barangay local government units for the issuance of ordinances to protect the plantations from stray animals and other forms of destruction. They also suggested the establishment of firebreaks; planting of drought and fire resistant species; issuance of appropriate tenure instruments; strengthening of LAWIN patrolling; and continuous capacity building among the beneficiaries.

 

Director Bambalan has reiterated her tall order to be serious in the conduct of Survey, Mapping and Planning (SMP). “SMP is very important. If that area has lower chances of survival, do not include. Exclude non-plantable areas as a result of the SMP and opt for other areas suitable for planting,” she ordered.

 

The regional DENR chief also reminded the PENROs and CENROs to seriously implement the reforestation program. “NGP is one priority of Secretary Roy Cimatu as our contribution for climate change mitigation and poverty alleviation. Tayo ang binigyan ng responsibility so we should manage this well,” Director Bambalan added as she instructed the field officials to revisit their targets for 2021 and prioritize open and grassland areas for the program.

 

The CENROs were required to submit way forward actions that are concrete, tangible, practical and implementable. Those with high survival rates were recognized and will be awarded in September.#