THE enhanced National Greening Program (NGP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is targeting additional 11,000 hectares in Hinoba-an town, Negros Occidental.
Mayor Ernesto Estrao, who was at the Provincial Capitol Thursday, said the greening program which already kicked off this year will cover the town’s 13 barangays.
Right now, they are in the process of propagating the seedlings, which came from DENR-Negros Island Region, the mayor said.
He said that as a counterpart, the local government will organize a task force and help in the “social preparation” of the residents.
They have to understand why this project is being implemented, Estrao said, adding that the beneficiaries were identified through the people’s organizations in each barangay.
He said the residents will choose what to plant, either coffee, cacao, fruit trees, or just trees.
“The process is that from first to third year, a budget will be allocated. Then after three years, they will own the plants,” the mayor added.
Last year, 4,000 hectares were covered by DENR’s planting program in Hinoba-an, he said.
The NGP, which was established in 2011, is a massive forest rehabilitation program of the National Government.
Estrao said they are currently monitoring the operations of a small-time gold mining firm in the town.
He said it is illegal because they don’t have a permit.