°µÍø³Ô¹Ïhas planted over 12 million trees and mangroves nationwide, reinforcing its commitment to reforestation and climate change mitigation in line with President Marcos’ directive.
AUGUST 8, 2024 More than 12 million trees and mangroves have already been planted by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) as its contribution to the climate change issues and to strengthen its tree-planting initiatives in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on integrating reforestation with disaster mitigation projects.Ìý
ÌýFrom 2020 to July 2024, °µÍø³Ô¹Ïplanted a total of of 12,259,894 trees as reported by its Port Management Offices based on certifications issued by the DENR. The PMO Surigao led the PMOs with the highest number of trees planted, totaling 4,888,277 trees. It was followed by PMO SOCSARGEN (1,385,369); PMO Agusan (1,182,289); PMO Zamboanga del Norte (1,034,019); and PMO Masbate (580,000).Ìý
Reaffirming its commitment to environmental stewardship, the °µÍø³Ô¹Ïenforces mandatory tree and mangrove planting for all contracts, accreditations, and permits issued.Ìý Administrative Order 14-2020 mandates the planting of trees or mangroves as a prerequisite for issuing accreditations, certificates of registration (COR), appointments, or for the award, renewal, or extension of contracts. This policy aligns with Executive Order No. 26, which established the National Greening Program, and Republic Act No. 9729, known as The Climate Change Act of 2009.ÌýÌýÌý
This means before obtaining a °µÍø³Ô¹Ïaccreditation certificate, certificate of registration (COR), permit to operate (PTO), or any appointment and service contracts related to port operations, the applicant or grantee is required to plant a minimum of one thousand (1,000) tree or mangrove seedlings.Ìý
According to °µÍø³Ô¹ÏGeneral Manager Jay Santiago, tree planting initiatives of °µÍø³Ô¹Ïaims to combat climate change and environmental concerns that continue to affect human lives.ÌýÌý
"In response to the call of our President BBM to conduct tree planting activities, the organization will further intensify its tree planting initiatives under °µÍø³Ô¹ÏAdministrative Order 14-2020. The entire °µÍø³Ô¹Ïis glad that we are with the same vision as our President in terms of reforestation and environmental protection," said GM Santiago.ÌýÌý
°µÍø³Ô¹Ïis in partnership with various Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENRO), planting 3,000 mangroves and seedlings in Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga, Agusan, Bicol, and Negros Oriental.Ìý
Santiago added that this is one of PPA's humble contributions to nature amid the ongoing effects of climate change happening across the world. Last week, heavy rains resulted to the flooding of Metro Manila and nearby cities, resulting to the suspension of work and classes due and a state of calamity affecting more or less 13 million people.ÌýÌý
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