The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) would include tree planting as part of the requirement for the application of transport franchises for public utility vehicles starting December 1.
“This Board, as part of our responsibility to conserve and protect our environment, has agreed to initiate efforts by undertaking to plant trees in the entire Philippines, and thereafter require our stakeholders, who have a similar responsibility to our environment and to the next generation, which includes all of our descendants and future ascendants, to plant trees, as a pre-condition for issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience,” LTFRB said in a memorandum circular dated November 20.
LTFRB said it initially plant fifty thousand (50,000) trees across the country through the Central Office and its Regional Franchising- and Regulatory Orfi (RFROs).
All applicants for issuance of NEW CPC with at least ten (10) units and all corporations and cooperatives (regardless of the number of units) apply for an extension of CPC validity.
However, after the initial implementation, all applicants with at least ten (10) units shall be covered by the new requirement of planting trees.
Tree planting required for operators applying for franchise – LTFRB
Those covered by the regulation shall be required to plant one (l) tree for every unit applied for.
“Operators shall coordinate with the concerned local government unit (where they hold business) or the concerned DENR Office on the area allowed for tree-planting activity, and/shall secure proof of compliance therewith from the LGU or DENR. Said proof and corresponding photographs shall be attached to their application for issuance/extension of CPC. Failure to attach this requirement shall cause non-acceptance of their application,” LTFRB said.
The initial implementation for LTFRB’s tree planting program shall be for a period of three (3) months counted from effectivity. “Thereafter, all applicants with at least ten (10) units (individuals or juridical entities) shall be required to comply herewith.”
Malacañang on Tuesday expressed support to LTFRB’s tree planting the proposed policy, adding that it would also coordinate with the Department of Education so that students will likewise be required to plant trees.
“Iyan po ay magiging polisiya. Iyan po ay minungkahi ni Secretary Tugade sa lahat ng kukuha ng prangkisa, pero iyan po ay ipatutupad niya,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.