With a target hectarage of 5,995 in 133 sites, Region 02 had covered 187 NGP sites in CY 2012, accomplishing more than what was targeted. Likewise, on survey and mapping, the 10,380 has. original target were achieved, with additional areas totaling to 681 has. under said activity.

On the other hand, to ensure the sustainability of the plantations from the NGP sites, survival counts were conducted under the maintenance and protection of NGP sites program. Based from the validation conducted last October 2012, the 2011 NGP sites posed a survival count totaling to an area planted of 4,564 has. out of the 5,630 has.

Meanwhile, the seedling production and procurement achieved 13% more of the set target. The seedling production undertaken by the People’s Organizations (POs) amounted to 1,880,578 seeds surpassing the target production at 1,797,000 or a 105% accomplishment rate. On the procurement of seed, which allows bidding of high quality seeds (indigenous and fruit trees), 1,346,260 seedlings were obtained. The DENR personnel from different provincial offices in the region joined in the production amounting to 317,075 seeds, having the Isabela Office produced almost half of said total.

A 113% accomplishment rate was also realized on the plantation establishments under the NGP targets at 6,776.56 has. in 187 sites. In summary, the NGP implementation for CY 2012 in Region 02 pursuant to the SONA commitment of the President totaled to 9,064.56 has. at 214 sites. This included the regular NGP implementation led by DENR, various Congressional initiatives, the Civil Society Organizations, and the fuelwood plantation (Community-Based Forest Management).

Said accomplishments were attributed to several best practices/ strategies executed throughout the period. These include: creation of committees and site coordinators to spearhead and oversee NGP sites, lobbied support with key leaders (LCEs, barangays, and community leaders) through dialogues and meetings, frequent linkaging and collaboration with various stakeholders in all phases of the program, IEC campaigns and advocacies including value orientation among farmer-beneficiaries, and application of efficient and effective scientific strategies during plantation, among others.

For CY 2013, DENR had assessed 14,532 has. of potential sites in the region. A target of 7,367,985 seedling production and procurement was set. This year’s budget is targeted at P243,369,000.

The Regional Committee on Sustainable Development (RCSD) members congratulated DENR for the accomplishment and status of NGP implementation in the region. To further maximize the benefits of the program, Mr. Hans G. Aggabao of the Isabela State University (ISU) recommended an intensified IEC especially on the availability/ accessibility of plantation sites for small farmers to help them in their livelihood. In addition, RCSD Vice-Chair Perla A. Vissoro urged the agency to help the small folks in obtaining accreditation for seedling production so as to provide opportunities within the region relative to the procurement of quality seeds in other regions.

RCSD Chair and NEDA OIC-Regional Director MaryAnne E.R. Darauay suggested that barangays could serve as production of trees and the consolidation of small producers in the region could be tapped so that they could be accredited. She also urged the Philippine Information Agency to assist in the information dissemination/ advocacy campaign through the Information Sharing System (ISS) of the Committee on Development Information and Communication.

DENR Regional Technical Director Wilfredo C. Malvar said that extensive IEC campaigns under the Social Mobilization Program were being undertaken by their CENRO and PENRO offices. He also said that while NGP is spearheaded by the agency, NGP is a program of everybody, thereby cooperation and involvement among the stakeholders including information dissemination is expected.