THE DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been unable to meet its obligation for a reforestation program to replace trees cut down for a road widening project in Pototan, Iloilo due to lack of funds. “We admit that we have deficiency in the implementation due to budget constraint. But we will replace those trees,” said Edna Mae D. Cañete, assistant engineer of the DPWH second engineering district. Ms. Cañete said they are still waiting for directives from the DPWH Central Office. Under the permit issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the DPWH was allowed to cut up to 5,183 trees for the road project, with an obligation to replace each cut tree with at least 100 seedlings of indigenous species. The reforestation areas are in Calinog, Iloilo. The DPWH cut down 2,013 trees, which requires a replacement of at least 201,300 seedlings. The agency has so far planted only 600. DENR-Western Visayas Regional Director Jim O. Sampulna said DPWH has already asked for an extension, but he will not grant the request unless the agency signs an affidavit of undertaking to ensure that the tree planting will be implemented. — Louine Hope U. Conserva

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