National Greening Program sa Cavite, hindi raw maayos na naipatutupad ng DENR

Summary

The Commission on Audit's report highlighted the ineffective implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) from 2013 to 2015. Issues like poor tree monitoring, animal damage, and the planting of trees in unsuitable or private lands plagued the program. Despite efforts to replant and monitor trees, challenges such as road widening and lack of coordination with local governments resulted in significant tree losses. The report calls for better planning, protection, and long-term maintenance of planted areas to ensure the survival of trees.

Takeaways

• 🌳 The COA reported that from 2013 to 2015, the DENR did not have an effective system for implementing the National Greening Program (NGP).
• 🌱 In Barangay Langkaan, Dasmariñas, Cavite, around 2,000 trees were said to be planted, but issues arose regarding their survival.
• 🐂 The trees planted in Sitio Humayao in 2011 were destroyed by animals like cows and carabaos, as there was insufficient protection for the seedlings.
• 👎 The DENR was criticized for lacking proper monitoring and care of the trees, especially during the critical first three years of growth.
• 💧 Some efforts were made for monitoring and watering the trees, but funding for maintenance was inconsistent, affecting the program's success.
• 🚧 A road-widening project by DPWH resulted in the destruction of trees planted in certain areas, including Barangay Kabuko, Cavite.
• 🏞️ Due to the lack of available public land for planting, some trees were planted in private lots, posing a risk of future removal.
• 🌡️ Many trees died because they were planted during the dry season, further highlighting the need for better timing and planning in the program.
• 🪵 In Barangay Kabuko, some residents illegally cut trees like ipil-ipil for profit, undermining the goals of the NGP.
• 📊 Forest Foundation Philippines doubted the DENR's reports, emphasizing that the true measure of success is the survival of the trees after three years, not just the quantity planted.

Q & A

What was the main issue identified by the Commission on Audit (COA) regarding the National Greening Program (NGP) from 2013 to 2015?

The COA report revealed that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) lacked an effective and efficient system for implementing the National Greening Program (NGP) during this period.

What happened to the trees planted in Barangay Langkaan, Dasmariñas, Cavite, under the NGP?

The trees planted in Barangay Langkaan were reportedly destroyed or eaten by animals, while others died due to inadequate care, particularly from livestock like cows and carabaos.

What specific challenges did the DENR face in monitoring and maintaining the trees planted under the NGP?

The DENR faced challenges such as the destruction of planted trees by animals and insufficient monitoring, especially during the critical first three years of tree growth, which are vital for the survival of the plants.

How did the local government of Dasmariñas respond to the problem of animals destroying the trees?

The local government of Dasmariñas passed an ordinance in 2015 that required animals to be tied up to prevent them from damaging the planted trees.

Why were many of the trees planted in Cavite destroyed by road widening projects?

A lack of coordination between the DENR and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) led to trees being planted along roadsides, which were later destroyed by road widening projects.

What problem did Barangay Kabuko face with regards to planting sites under the NGP?

Barangay Kabuko had limited planting areas, which led them to plant trees along roadsides and private lots. This posed a risk to the survival of the trees, as they were more susceptible to being cut down during road projects.

How does the NGP define appropriate planting areas for trees?

The NGP specifies that trees should be planted on public land, with careful consideration of the site's suitability for tree growth and the establishment of forests.

What measures did the DENR take to prevent the cutting of roadside trees under the NGP?

The DENR instructed its field offices to limit tree planting along roadsides and instead focus on planting in mountains and coastal areas to avoid the trees being cut down for road development.

Why did many trees planted during the summer season under the NGP die?

Many trees planted during the summer season died because they were not properly watered and maintained, a common issue raised in several areas participating in the NGP.

What was the main criticism of the NGP from the Forest Foundation Philippines?

The Forest Foundation Philippines criticized the NGP for focusing too much on the number of trees planted rather than ensuring the survival of the trees over the critical first three years.