DPWH kicks off NCR tree planting activities

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is initiating a tree planting drive all over Metro Manila, five months after the launch of the Clean and Green Campaign of DPWH Secretary Roger G. Mercado.

In support of the green program, DPWH National Capital Region Director Nomer Abel P. Canlas promoted the cultivation of Caballero trees among the nine District Engineering Offices in Metro Manila, highlighting not only its environmental benefits but its way of simply making more colorful and beautiful urban communities. Caballero trees grow to about 5-12 meters, with small leaves, and red-orange flowers setting the tree aflame during the summer months.

A total of 11,662 Caballero seedlings were planted in the center island of roads in Metro Manila of which 426 were done by the North Manila DEO; 996 by South Manila DEO; 375 by Las Piñas-muntinlupa DEO; 200 by Malabon-navotas DEO; 500 by Metro Manila 3rd DEO; 1,340 by Metro Manila 2nd DEO; 1,850 by Quezon City 1st DEO; 2,975 by Quezon City 2nd DEO; and 3,000 by Metro Manila 1st DEO. The program aims to plant 34,110 more trees.

Metro Manila 1st DEO and Quezon City 1st DEO have started to build plant nurseries to propagate and take care Caballero seedlings, that will be planted in the center islands in the cities of Taguig, Pateros, Pasig, Marikina, Mandaluyong, and Quezon. To date, the two DEOS have propagated a total of 2,792 and 1,000 Caballero seedlings, respectively.

According to his report to Regional Director Canlas, Metro Manila 1st District Engineer Medel F. Chua said that their Office targets to cultivate a total of 5,000 seedlings, with 1,250 of which from the Regional Office are ready for transplanting to its permanent home on national roads.

Director Canlas commended the efforts of DPWH-NCR DEOS in finding ways for the continuous improvement of Metro Manila’s roadways, despite challenges in funding manpower resources.