GREEN POWER VS. POVERTY 


Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje (left photo) called for greater emphasis on poverty eradication as the centerpiece of the government’s reforestation program as envisioned by Executive Order No. 25 issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III, establishing the 5-year National Greening Program.  Under the program, government agencies, in partnership with the private sector, civil society, including the church and the academe, are mandated to coordinate with the DENR to participate in the raising and planting of 1.5 billion trees in some 1.5 million hectares nationwide.  Paje emphasized this during the 1st NGP Consultative Summit held Friday (April 15) at the DENR building in Quezon City attended by around 200 participants.