Zamboanga City – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) tapped the services of at least 89 families for the implementation of its tree-planting program at a 559-hectare site in this city.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Carlito Tuballa said the 89 families will be planting hardwood and rare species of tress in a 239-hectare site, and rubber and fruit-bearing trees in another 320-hectare location.
He said these families are presently engaged in upland farming, and are staying at a government-owned land in this city.
Tuballa said that instead of driving out these farmers from the government-owned lands, they will be utilized for the planting of various tree species in the area.
“The DENR will provide everything. In fact, it will pay them on what they have accomplished,” Tuballa said.

Source: Manila Bulletin - November 26, 2013