PRA Leads Large-Scale Tree Planting In Maragondon, Cavite
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The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), people’s organizations, and partners from the private sector and the government teamed up in a large-scale tree planting activity at Brgy. Pinagsanhan B in Maragondon, Cavite on 12 August 2023.
Comprising the 142 volunteers are PRA personnel, members of Sambayanang Pangangasiwa ng Kagubatan ng Pinagsanhan, Maragondon, Inc. and Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo, and employees of Pasay Harbor City Corporation, SM Smart City Infrastructure and Development Corporation, Boskalis, Cavite Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Municipal Government of Maragondon.
The tree planting activity stemmed from the PRA’s partnership with the DENR for the National Greening Program (NGP). The first in a series of tree planting activities, the recent initiative is a part of compliance with the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) conditions issued for the PRA Government Seabed Quarry Permit (GSQP) for the development, extraction, and disposition of marine aggregates in the San Nicholas Shoal (SNS) borrow area in Cavite.
PRA, as GSQP holder, enters into agreement with reclamation proponent local government units for the actual dredging in the SNS. The extracted marine aggregates are used as fill materials for their approved reclamation projects. PRA’s compliance with the conditions of the ECC pertaining to the GSQP does not stop even if reclamation projects are currently suspended. The agency continues to assume an active role in the conservation and protection of the environment by enhancing existing vegetation while promoting equitable access to natural resources. Further, to minimize any adverse impact of the project to the environment, PRA implements all commitments, mitigating measures, and monitoring requirements contained in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the Annual Environment Protection and Enhancement Program(AEPEP).
One of the commitments is the NGP which includes various related programs, projects, and activities, such as the Bamboo Plantation Program, and the AEPEP – Biodiversity Conservation. The Authority also undertakes continuous Information Education Communication (IEC) Campaign in direct impact communities to create awareness and disseminate information on environmental management.
The NGP, as a multiyear commitment of PRA with the DENR, covers the provision of resources, manpower, community services, and promotion of conservation of biodiversity in Maragondon, Cavite.
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The DENR designated a 50-hectare planting area for adoption of the PRA, with an initial 13-ha. area to be planted within 2023. Approximately 500 jackfruit and soursop seedlings were planted during the PRA tree planting activity. The partner PO of PRA, Sambayanang Pangangasiwa ng Kagubatan ng Pinagsanhan, Maragondon, Inc., completed the planting of the 13-ha. area with a total of at least 6,500 seedlings on 14 August 2023. They shall likewise conduct maintenance as required by the DENR to ensure maximum survival rate of the planted seedlings.
The fruit-bearing trees, aside from providing sustenance, are expected to improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide, mitigate soil erosion, and provide habitats for various species among other things.
This initiative underscores PRA’s mission to balance urban development with environmental preservation and underscores the importance of green spaces in urban planning. PRA’s dedication extends beyond tree planting, with plans for environmentally sustainable practices and enforcement of mandatory green spaces in reclamation projects.