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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has identified potential tree planting sites in the region for those who will be complying with a recent policy of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in support to government’s greening program.

The LTFRB, in its Memorandum Circular issued last November 20, 2020, requires operators of public utility vehicles who will apply for an issuance or renewal of Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) to plant one tree for every unit applied for.

Per directive from the DENR-Forest Management Bureau, the regional office has drawn up a list of potential areas per province and the seedlings to be planted. A total of 7, 177 hectares were identified in around fifty eight (58) municipalities.

“The potential areas identified were the sites with established plantations under the National Greening Program (NGP) with low survival rates. These will be replaced by the seedlings that will be planted by the franchise applicants from the LTFRB,” says Forester Mirasol Melgazo, Forest Management Specialist II.

“The applicants are advised to coordinate with their respective Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) for the planting site and the appropriate seedlings to be planted. They are likewise advised to secure their own planting materials which will not be provided by the DENR” added Melgazo.

The LTFRB Circular requires the operators to coordinate with the concerned local government unit where they hold business or the concerned DENR office on the area allowed for tree-planting activity and shall secure proof of compliance from the LGU or DENR. Said proof and corresponding photographs shall be attached to their application for issuance or extension of CPC. Failure to attach said requirement shall cause non-acceptance of their application.

 “We welcome this laudable initiative of the LTFRB which supports the greening program of the government. May this practice become a habit for everyone even if not required by any government agency,” says Regional Executive Director, Tirso P. Parian, Jr.