22 APRIL 2024, MANILA — In celebration of Earth Day 2024, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is proud to announce that the agency and its stakeholders have already planted a total of 4 Million seedlings/mangroves nationwide from 2020 to 2024 in coordination with the Department of Natural Resources (DENR).
As climate change continues to threaten human lives and ecosystems, PPA has been consistent in its fight against climate change and in supporting the government’s National Greening Program (NGP) as part of PPA’s corporate social responsibility. As of March 31, 2024, a total of 3,909,608 seedlings/mangroves have been planted as reported by its Port Management Offices based on Certifications issued by the CENRO/DENR.
As early as December 18, 2020, PPA Administrative Order (AO) No. 014-2020 entitled “Mandatory Tree and/or Mangrove Planting as a Condition for the Issuance of Accreditation, Certificate of Registration, Appointment, or Award of Contract, or Renewal/Extension Thereof” has been issued. Under this AO, a PPA accreditation certificate, certificate of registration (COR), permit to operate (PTO), appointment, including contracts for the provision of services in the ports are subject to the condition that the applicant/grantee shall plant trees and/or mangroves of at least ONE THOUSAND (1,000) seedlings.
PPA adheres to the concept of ensuring that port activities are focused on minimizing the adverse or negative impact to the environment and ensuring that all aspects of port operations and port development are geared towards the protection and preservation of the environment for the maximum utilization of port facilities.
Just recently, last year, PPA was able to plant additional 8,000 seedlings in all ports nationwide in support of the "Lingap at Alagang Bayanihan (LAB)" project of the administration launched during the birthday of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and also in accordance with Republic Act No. 9729 or the "Climate Change Act of 2009".
Last week, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) announced that the highest temperature in Metro Manila was recorded 38.2 degrees Celsius at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport monitoring station in Pasay City at 3:26 in the afternoon, this is the highest recorded temperature in the National Capital Region since 1915 with 38.0 degrees Celsius in Port Area, Manila.
PPA continues to take initiatives in programs to establish linkages with national and local government units, non-governmental organizations, and port stakeholders, to ensure environmental protection and preservation while improving port facilities.
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