EASTERN VISAYAS – The Department of Public Works and Highways - Eastern Samar District Engineering Office (DPWH-ESDEO) launched a tree replacement program by planting over 500 trees along the roadside of Taft-Borongan Road on March 22, 2023.
The initiative aims to plant 315,100 trees to replace the 3,151 trees impacted by the slope protection rockfall netting project along Wright-Taft Road.
District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia led the tree-planting activity, which adhered to the tree-cutting permit issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The permit stipulates that the DPWH-ESDEO must plant 100 seedlings for every cut tree.
"We will be busy this year implementing this tree replacement program. In fact, we already have 14,000 saplings of native trees in our nursery, which are ready for the tree-planting program," said DE Junia.
DE Junia also stated that the office is working with the DENR and other government agencies, such as the Local Government Unit of Salcedo, to locate a site for the tree-planting activity. Additionally, the DPWH-ESDEO is enlisting the aid of barangay officials in Taft to supply more seedlings and provide an extra source of income.
Starting this month, the tree-planting activity will continue to cover the roadside from Taft to Arteche and forest lands recognized by the DENR.
The recently conducted tree-planting activity also supported the third-week celebration of International Women's Month, with many participants wearing purple shirts, the international color of women, and gender equality. —iTacloban (Source: DPWH-8)