DENR-CAR readies for NGP implementation in 2017

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-CAR has downloaded funds in preparation for the implementation of the expanded National Greening Program in 2017.

An amount of P11,032,000 from the DENR Central Office-Based Fund has been downloaded by DENR-CAR to its field offices for the conduct of site assessment of NGP planting areas for 2017.

The site assessment and submission of reports should be accomplished before the end of September this year.

The DENR-CAR has a target area of 24,515 hectares to be planted on 2017. The target area is distributed in the different provinces across the region. Of which, 7,571 hectares is in Abra; 2,803 hectares in Apayao; 4,654 hectares in Benguet; 1,452 hectares in Ifugao; 4,644 hectares in Kalinga; and 3,391 hectares in Mt. Province.

The fund was accordingly distributed in the Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources based on their target areas.

The planting areas for 2017 shall be identified by the PENROs and CENROs in coordination with the local government units and villages that have potential areas for reforestation, bamboo, high value crops and agroforestry plantations.

The areas to be identified should be at least 50 hectares and should not fall within alienable and disposable lands so as to prevent overlapping of sites already covered by other projects.

As much as possible, the identified areas should be free of dispute relative to political boundaries. If any, such should be reconciled by concerned local government units or village officials.

In addition, the sites should be properly assessed as to what are the suitable commodities that can be planted in them.

Although a combination of four commodities may be planted in an area, they should not be purely bamboo, high value crops or fruit trees. The commodities should be varied to harvest more benefits in the future. 

As part of the assessment, shapefiles with complete attributes, commodity map and geotagged photos of areas should be submitted within the set deadline.

Apart from the site’s profile, the PENROs and CENROs shall identify and assess potential partner people’s organization within the village of proposed planting sites.

An education, information and communication campaign shall likewise be conducted for the POs and community people for appreciation and acceptance of the project.(Giovani Joy N. Fontanilla)