DOTr Unveils Ambitious 1.2 Million Tree Planting Initiative for NSCR Greening Project
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has embarked on a significant environmental endeavor, aiming to plant approximately 1.2 million trees over the next five years. This initiative is a core component of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Greening Project, designed to support watersheds and other critical areas surrounding the massive transport infrastructure development.
PHP14 Million Budget Allocated for Seedlings and Maintenance
In a detailed message to reporters, DOTr Assistant Secretary IC Calaguas revealed that the NSCR Greening Program has been allocated a budget of PHP14 million. These funds will be strategically utilized for purchasing seedlings and covering the extensive maintenance costs of the plants throughout the five-year project duration. The program encompasses a comprehensive range of activities, including seedling procurement and delivery, plantation establishment, ongoing maintenance and protection, validation processes, and rigorous project management and supervision.
Aligning with Presidential Directives on Climate Protection
This greening effort is in direct alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s executive order, which mandates the implementation of robust climate protection initiatives in regions impacted by large-scale transport projects. DOTr acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez has already approved the planting of 690,000 trees in the Pampanga and Cavite watersheds, scheduled to commence in July. "We will plant trees to replace those we cut as part of our projects," Lopez emphasized, highlighting the department's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Strategic Watershed Sites Targeted for Reforestation
The DOTr is legally mandated to execute this greening program as a condition of the tree-cutting permit issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the NSCR Calamba Extension Project. Key sites have been identified for the tree-planting activities, including the 546-hectare Barangay Sapangbato within the Sapangbato Watershed. This area is crucial for flood prevention in the region and for supplying clean water to Angeles City, Pampanga. Additionally, the Sacobia Watershed, which serves as the primary watershed in Pampanga province, will also receive a substantial number of seedlings.
Progress and Partnerships in Pampanga
To date, the DOTr has successfully planted 300,000 trees in Barangay Ayala and Barangay Turu in Magalang, Pampanga. This achievement was made possible through collaborative partnerships with local agricultural organizations, namely the Samahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Mataas na Lupa, Inc. and the La Paz Turu Upland Farmers Association. These alliances underscore the community-driven approach of the project.
Financial Backing from Asian Development Bank
In a related development, the Asian Development Bank has agreed to provide a partial credit guarantee (PCG) of up to USD800 million to operators of the NSCR project, following a request from the Philippine government. This financial instrument is intended to ensure the sustainable and efficient operations of the NSCR, encourage broader bidder participation, enhance competitive bidding, and strengthen the overall financial viability of the project. This support complements the environmental efforts by securing the infrastructure's long-term success.
The DOTr's inspection of tree planting sites in Pampanga on February 27, 2026, marks a proactive step towards fulfilling this ambitious greening agenda, integrating ecological responsibility with national infrastructure development.
