Mangatarem, Pangasinan – Key officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region- I (DENR- I) headed by Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo join other stakeholders in the Ceremonial Tree Planting and launching of Daang Kalikasan (Nature Road) Development Framework in Mangatarem, Pangasinan on September 25, 2020.

The Daang Kalikasan event is an offshoot of the stakeholders consultative meeting last September 18, 2020 at the MSPL, Mangatarem, Pangasinan led by the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Northern Luzon, the main proponent of the Daang Kalikasan - former 2^nd District of Pangasinan Representative and now Lingayen, Pangasinan Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil, DENR- I and field offices, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-I), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB- I) National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Department of Tourism (DOT), LGU- Mangatarem, people’s organization, (POs) and other partner organizations.

Before the ceremonial tree planting, a short program was first held at the Muelang Bueno Reforestation Association Inc (MBRAI) PO office/ nursery in Mangatarem where the objective of the said activity reiterated by the brainchild of the project. Aside from RED Barcelo, DENR representatives who attended the activity include Conservation and Development Division (CDD) Chief Barbara Pernia, Enforcement Division Chief Atty. Arlyn Buduhan, NGP Coordinator Marietta Javierto, PENRO Pangasinan Raymundo Gayo, CENRO Central Pangasinan Officer Frank Vincent Danglose and representatives from the Regional Public Affairs Office (RPAO) headed by Renelita A. Santos. LGU representatives include Mayor Bataoil, Councilor Ricardo Pastor of Mangatarem, Mr. Nathaniel Pulido of ENRO, NRRG, DPWH representatives- Engr. Larry Flores, Engr. Willie Vince, MENRO Pangasinan- Engr. Denver Quitlong and Engr. Jessie Sacupia, PO representatives include MBRAI President Francisco Yaeng, Mangatarem Alliance of Upland Frmers Association Pres. Isabel Sison, and Bantocaling Reforestation Association Pres. Eduardo Pascua.

In his message, RED Barcelo thanked all the partners of the Daang Kalikasan Master Plan especially the brainchild, Mayor Bataoil, and the POs. He fervently hoped that the Daang Kalikasan project connecting the provinces of Pangasinan and Zambales, will be a successful eco- tourism hub so that the communities and the riding public will enjoy and appreciate the beauty of nature particularly the existing NGP projects of the DENR. “We should set aside personal interest over general interest, because if we don’t preserve this, in a couple of years the future generations will have nothing to gain, we must have strong political will and determination to carry out this mission into a reality just like what President Duterte directed DENR Secretary Cimatu in rehabilitating the Boracay and Manila Bay, it’s my commitment too here in Region I,” RED Barcelo added. The DENR- I chief executive likewise, enjoined the POs and other partners to make the “ceremonial tree planting” a regular activity to protect, conserve, manage and preserve the environment and natural resources in the area. With the help of the LGUs, partner line agencies and the POs, RED Barcelo also hoped that the “private property and no trespassing” signs in the NGP areas will be given a solution since Alienable and Disposable classification has not been released yet in this area as per Land Classification map 698 dated 1927.

During the ceremonial tree planting, bamboo species were planted in the higher grounds along the stretch of Daang Kalikasan road in observance of Bamboo Day in the month of September including the planting of Ilang-ilang species. Bougainvillea will be planted in the roadside of the four lane 54- kilometer road as component for the landscaping and beautification of the area.###