Regional offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways and Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Western Visayas Region entered into an agreement to further enhance the two (2) agencies partnership in the tree planting and growing program along roadsides.
Under the Memorandum of Agreement signed by DPWH Regional Director Edilberto D. Tayao and DENR Regional Director Jim Sampulna, DPWH in coordination with DENR will identify and conduct survey and mapping of roadsides for tree planting activities as an integral part of its regular road maintenance program.
The signing ceremony held at the DPWH Conference Room in Iloilo City was witnessed by DPWH Undersecretary for Technical Services Raul C. Asis, DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Demetrio Ignacio, DPWH Assistant Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado, DPWH Region 6 District Engineers and Division Chiefs, and other DENR officials.
On their part, the DENR shall assist the DPWH in the survey and mapping of identified areas to determine the appropriate species to be planted.
DENR will also provide technical assistance to the DPWH in tree planting and growing activities.
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.
The agreement between DPWH and DENR is in accordance with the 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.”
DPWH is also a partner of DENR in the implementation of the National Greening Program as mandated under Executive Order No. 26 issued February 24, 2011 by President Benigno S. Aquino III.