A Critical Review and Analysis

of the National Greening Program (NGP) of the Philippines

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for

Natural Resources, Ecosystem and Protected Areas (MMEP 614)

Submitted to:

Professor Engr./EnP Lorelei E. Peralta, MMS, DLUP

Submitted By:

Balbosa, Jay Mark P.

2022435024
Section 13

Total Word Count: 2166 words

Introduction

Deforestation has been a long-standing issue in the Philippines, with alarming rates of forest
cover loss affecting biodiversity, water sources, and climate stability. Recognizing the urgent need to
combat environmental degradation, the government introduced the NGP under the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR, 2010).

The National Greening Program is one of the most ambitious government-initiated reforestation
program under former President Aquino’s administration. Executive Order No. 26, series of 2011 was
issued to plant 1.5 billions trees in 1.5 millions hectares of lands of the public domain for a period of six
(6) years from CY 2011 to CY 2016 for poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity conservation,
environmental stability and climate change mitigation and adaptation. The program is a convergence
initiative of Department of Agriculture (DA)- Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) where DENR is the lead agency (DENR, 2011).

The program was continued and expanded during the time of former President Duterte, named the
Enhanced National Greening Program (E-NGP) through Executive Order 193 signed on November 12,
2015 which aims to rehabilitate all the remaining unproductive, denuded and degraded forestlands
estimated at 7.1 millions hectares from 2016 to 2028 (DENR, 2019).

The researcher chose this project to be reviewed since the former has personal knowledge and has
been involve on the initiative since 2015. This review endeavors to examine the program's effectiveness,
identify strengths and weaknesses, and provide valuable insights for optimizing its impact on
environmental sustainability, socio-economic development, and climate resilience. By delving into the
program's achievements and challenges, this paper aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts towards a
greener and more sustainable future for the country.

Discussion

Looking at the major objectives of the National Greening Program as indicators, it is worth to
note the following achievements;

1. Restoration Efforts. Based on the latest Philippine forest statistics, forest cover increased
marginally by 177,441 hectares; from 6,836,711 hectares in CY 2010 to 7,014,152 hectares in CY
 2015. This is only 11.82 percent of the 1.50 million-hectare target of the NGP under Executive
Order (E.O.) No. 26. Even if the 85 percent standard of survival rate of 1,275,000 hectares is
used, the accomplishment will still be at the low rate of 13.92 percent. On a positive note, it was
enough to reverse the previous downward trend (PAO-2019-01);

2. Climate Change Mitigation. With the increase of forest cover in the country, in effect, the
program has impacted and contributed to the country’s commitment in reducing carbon
emissions. Added forested areas play a vital role in carbon sequestration aiding climate change
mitigation;

3. Watershed Protection. The NGP’s restoration efforts have helped in protecting critical watersheds
resulting to a stable supply of clean water. By restoring denuded areas, this has directly benefits
both the rural and urban communities forest is essential in regulating water flow and preventing
soil erosion;

4. Livelihood and Poverty Alleviation. Based on interviews and conducted on field focused group
discussions, some beneficiaries and people’s organization have affirmed the contribution of the
program. While there are stories of successes that can be obtained from different regions all over
the country, there is no statistics yet or studies that would support the claim (PAO-2019-01); and

5. Biodiversity Conservation. The NGP's focus on planting indigenous tree species has supported
biodiversity conservation. By restoring native ecosystems, the program has helped preserve
unique flora and fauna, promoting ecological balance and resilience.

In spite of the success of the National Greening Program in making impacts and achieving its
objectives, challenges and concerns are also needed to be addressed so the mistakes and lapses that the
program had encountered during its implementation, will serve as a guide and a tool to the continuation of
the program under the new administration to ensure its successful implementation. Here are some of the
observed challenges during the implementation of the program;

a. Enforcement and Illegal Logging: One of the significant challenges facing the NGP is the
enforcement of laws and regulations against illegal logging and deforestation. Despite
reforestation efforts, illegal logging activities persist not only to reforested areas but as well
 as to areas reserved by the government for conservation and protection, undermining the
program's achievements and posing a threat to the sustainability of reforested areas;

b. Species Selection and Biodiversity Concerns: The NGP has relied heavily on fast-growing,
non-native species for reforestation, which has raised concerns about potential negative
impacts on biodiversity. Greater emphasis on planting indigenous tree species is essential for
ecological restoration and the preservation of native ecosystems;

c. Land Tenure Issues and Politicking: Land tenure and ownership disputes often hinder
reforestation efforts, especially in ancestral domains and areas designated for other uses.
Also, the selection of member-beneficiaries in selected areas relied to the list of people pre-
identified by the Local Government Unit concern, allegedly to be voters of the incumbent
local officials. Locals who deserved to be awarded with the program cannot access the same
due to political inclination. Resolving these issues is critical for the successful
implementation and sustainability of the NGP;

d. Monitoring and Evaluation: Accurate monitoring and evaluation are crucial for assessing the
effectiveness of the NGP. Ensuring that planted trees survive, grow, and contribute to
reforestation goals requires consistent data collection and analysis, which can be challenging
in remote areas; and

e. Climate Change Adaptation: While the NGP contributes to climate change mitigation, there is
a need to also focus on climate change adaptation. Planting species that are resilient to
changing climate conditions will enhance the long-term success of reforested areas.

Summary:

The National Greening Program has made commendable strides in reforesting and rehabilitating
degraded lands, contributing to environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, and poverty
alleviation. Its achievements in restoring forest cover and protecting watersheds have provided numerous
benefits to both the environment and local communities. However, the program faces significant
challenges, including illegal logging, species selection, land tenure disputes, monitoring, and climate
change adaptation.
Analysis:

The success of the NGP (National Greening Program) can be largely attributed to its remarkable
achievements in reforestation, which have yielded significant positive impacts on climate change
mitigation and ecosystem restoration. Through the concerted effort of planting millions of trees, the
program has effectively sequestered substantial amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,
contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This in turn plays a vital role in mitigating the
effects of climate change, as trees act as natural carbon sinks, aiding in regulating global temperatures and
preventing the intensification of extreme weather events.

Furthermore, the NGP's approach of involving local communities in its reforestation efforts has
led to a sense of environmental stewardship and social inclusion. By engaging residents in tree planting
and conservation activities, the program has not only restored ecosystems but also empowered
communities to take an active role in safeguarding their natural surroundings. This inclusive approach
fosters a stronger connection between people and the environment, instilling a shared responsibility for
maintaining the health and vitality of their ecosystems.

However, the NGP is not without its challenges. Enforcement of sustainable forestry practices
and protection of newly planted areas are critical concerns. Unauthorized logging and encroachments
could undermine the progress made, necessitating robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
Additionally, while reforestation is crucial, there are biodiversity concerns to address. Focusing solely on
a few tree species or monoculture plantations could lead to imbalances in the local ecosystem, negatively
impacting native flora and fauna. Therefore, the NGP must consider biodiversity-rich reforestation
strategies that promote ecological resilience.

Moreover, land tenure issues can undermine the sustainability of the NGP's gains. Unclear land
rights could result in conflicts and hinder long-term maintenance efforts. Resolving land tenure conflicts
and ensuring the involvement of local communities in decision-making are essential for program
continuity.

Lastly, as climate change continues to unfold, prioritizing climate adaptation is paramount. The
reforested areas must be resilient to changing climatic conditions to ensure their long-term survival and
functionality. This involves planting a diverse range of native species adapted to potential shifts in
temperature and precipitation patterns, and implementing adaptive management practice

Recommendations:

The National Greening Program (NGP) in the Philippines has been a significant effort by the
government to address deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss through reforestation and
rehabilitation of degraded lands. Over the years, the NGP has achieved commendable results in
environmental conservation and poverty alleviation. However, to sustain its positive impact and
overcome challenges, key measures need to be addressed and implemented. Here are some recommended
strategies and areas of the initiative that needs improvement;

Conduct of a full-blown SMP (Site Master Plan) and feasibility study: To enhance the
effectiveness of the National Greening Program (NGP) implementation, it is essential to conduct
thorough site assessments and feasibility studies before initiating reforestation projects. A full-blown
SMP should include a comprehensive evaluation of the site's ecological conditions, including soil type,
climate, hydrology, and biodiversity. This information will help in selecting appropriate tree species that
are well-suited to the site's conditions, thus increasing the chances of successful establishment and
growth. Feasibility studies should also analyze the social and economic aspects, taking into account the
potential benefits and risks to local communities, as well as the financial viability of the reforestation
projects.

Compliance to required processes and standards: Strict adherence to required processes and
standards is crucial for ensuring the success and sustainability of NGP initiatives. This includes
complying with environmental regulations, land tenure and ownership considerations, and community
consultations. Following a transparent and participatory approach in planning and decision-making will
foster support and ownership among local stakeholders, leading to more effective implementation and
monitoring of reforestation efforts.

Inclusion of a reforestation access road: Access to reforestation sites is often challenging in

remote or forested areas. Including a reforestation access road as part of the planning and budgeting
process can significantly facilitate the transport of seedlings, equipment, and personnel to the planting
sites. It will help reduce implementation costs, increase efficiency, and allow for better monitoring and
management of reforestation activities.
 Linking reforestation to a business plan: To ensure the long-term sustainability of reforestation
efforts, linking them to a well-structured business plan is essential. This approach involves exploring
potential revenue streams from reforestation activities, such as sustainable timber harvesting, non-timber
forest products, ecotourism, or carbon offset projects. A well-designed business plan can provide a steady
income source to cover maintenance and management costs, making the reforestation projects financially
viable in the long run.

Capacitation of partner stakeholders: Strengthening the capacity of reforestation partners,

including local communities, NGOs, and government agencies, is vital for effective NGP implementation.
Providing training and technical assistance on tree planting techniques, forest management, and
monitoring will improve the quality of reforestation projects. Building the skills and knowledge of
reforestation partners will also empower them to actively engage in sustainable forest management
practices, leading to increased project success and long-term impact.

By adopting these recommendations, the NGP can enhance its impact on environmental
conservation, socio-economic development, and climate change mitigation. Implementing a well-planned
and participatory approach will ensure that reforestation efforts are carried out with maximum efficiency,
effectiveness, and long-term sustainability, ultimately contributing to the country's overall forest cover
and environmental protection goals.

Conclusion:

The National Greening Program, an admirable initiative by the Philippine government, addresses
deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss, yielding ecological, social, and economic benefits. Its
accomplishments in reforestation, climate change mitigation, and poverty alleviation underscore its
potential for sustainable development. However, addressing challenges like illegal logging, biodiversity
preservation, land tenure, monitoring, and climate adaptation is vital for long-term success.
To maximize impact, inclusivity of indigenous communities, native tree promotion, and
environmental law enforcement must be prioritized. Continuous improvement and adaptation will restore
forests, preserve biodiversity, and secure a sustainable future. Collaboration among stakeholders,
government, communities, NGOs, and private sectors is crucial for a greener and more resilient
Philippines.
 In conclusion, the National Greening Program significantly contributes to environmental
conservation and poverty alleviation. Addressing challenges through law enforcement, biodiversity
preservation, and monitoring is essential. Strengthening collaboration and empowering local stakeholders
will ensure the program's success in preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable development
for a greener and more resilient future.

References:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). (2010). DMC 2010-11 ‘Revised
regulations governing forest tree seed and seedling production, collection and disposition.
Retrieved from http://server2.denr.gov.ph/files/dao-2010-11_180.pdf

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). (2011). DMC 2011-10 ‘Guidelines
and procedures in the implementation of the national greening program’. Diliman,
Philippines. Retrieved from http://forestry.denr.gov.ph/dmc-2011-01.pdf

Performance Audit Report (PAO-2019-01) for National Greening Program by Commission on

Audit (2019).

Philippine Forest Statistics 2016 by Forest Management Bureau (FMB).

Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). (n.d.). Study sees Positive Impact of Greening
Program on Economy and Environment. Retrieved from
http://dirp3.pids.gov.ph/websitecms/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidsdps1653.pdf

OTHER ONLINE SOURCES:

https://www.denr.gov.ph/index.php/priority-programs/national-greening-program (2019). Retrieved on 05
August 2023