Nationwide tree-planting exceeds target--DENR
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that the nationwide tree-planting activity held last August 25 was "a resounding success."
Ret. Col. Sotillo Rigor said that after collating the data from all the 15 regions, records showed that there were a total of 3,917.83 kilometers of the country's major highways planted, which exceeded the target of 3,443.18 kilometers.
The goal of 659,930 saplings to be planted was also surpassed by 123.29 percent as 802,514 seedlings were actually planted.
Likewise, a total of 6,049 "program adoptors" were identified, compared to the target of only 4,383, with an accomplishment rate of 138 percent. The "adoptors" are persons or institutions which have committed themselves to take care of the trees until they reach the viable age of three years.
DENR also reported that a total of 710,673 individuals participated in the planting activity nationwide, led by President Arroyo who planted her tree near kilometer 1 at the Luneta.
The others who participated were city, town and barangay officials, ordinary citizens, students, church and business groups, government offices led by the DENR and many others.
The tree planting activity was held during the launching of the Green Philippines Highway Project, initiated by Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes to combat air pollution in towns and cities in the country.
The program is expected to result in better health for the people and greater economic and agricultural productivity.
(PIA 6/ESS)