Naga City: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 5 (Bicol) announced that at least 85 percent of seedlings planted in the region in 2024 have survived.

According to Philippines News Agency, DENR-5 Assistant Director for Management Services Ronnel Astor emphasized the significance of maintaining a high survival rate for seedlings before transferring them to local people's organizations or non-governmental organizations.

Astor highlighted the rigorous inspection process that ensures an 85 percent survival rate is achieved before the final turnover, as part of the Enhanced National Greening Program (NGP). This three-year reforestation initiative aims to protect and preserve the environment. In 2024, the DENR planted a total of 1,413,330 seedlings across 2,112 hectares in Bicol's six provinces, with 1,125,830 seedlings in regular areas and 287,500 in protected areas.

He explained that payments are not recommended if the survival rate does not meet the 85-percent threshold. Only upon confirming the survival rate through inspections does DENR accept or pay for the actual accomplishment.

DENR-5 Assistant Director for Technical Services Ronnel Sopsop shared their 2025 goal to plant over 600,000 seedlings in 1,264 hectares and expressed the agency's push to extend the Enhanced NGP to a five-year program. The program's first year focuses on seedling production and plantation establishment, while the second and third years concentrate on the protection and maintenance of the planted areas. Tree spacing varies with the type, with fruit-bearing trees requiring wider spacing compared to indigenous trees.

The announcement was made during a press conference celebrating Philippine Environment Month, themed 'Ending Global Plastic Pollution.' Events include the Bike Hike Plant on June 22, Arbor Day on June 25, and the Saringaya Awards on June 27.