The regional offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways and Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region VI framed a project to address the problem of cutting trees for government projects.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was formally signed by DPWH VI Regional Director Edilberto D. Tayao and DENR VI Regional Director Jim Sampulna, which was held recently at the DPWH Conference Room.
The signing of MOA was witnessed by DPWH Undersecretary for Technical Services Raul C. Asis and DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Demetrio Ignacio.
DPWH VI Assistant Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado, District Engineers and Division Chiefs of the Regional Office and officials of DENR were also present as witnesses.
The MOA states that DENR shall assist the DPWH in the survey and mapping of identified areas to determine the appropriate species to be planted. It will also provide technical assistance to the DPWH in tree planting and growing activities.
The DPWH, on the other hand, in coordination with the DENR, will identify and conduct survey and mapping of roadsides for the tree planting activities as an integral part of its regular road maintenance.
Said agreement is in accordance with DPWH Department Order No 15, Series of 2000, which makes tree planting along national roads as “a standard component of all road construction and improvement projects requiring the inclusion of said activity to the engineering design, program of work, estimates budget, and bidding and contract documents of these projects.”
This joint effort of DPWH and DENR aims to add value to urban areas, help mitigate climate change, enhance beauty of the roadside, provide shelter to commuters and minimize glare from sunlight to drivers along the roads.