The Billion Trees Program was conceptualized at the New Bilibid Prison. The idea would have remained “confined” in the Bilibid and not become the National Greening Program (Executive Order 26) that it is today had not Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo supported it and promulgated DILG Memorandum Circular 21.
There was no beating around the bush, no nonsense or bureaucratic red tape.
We presented the program to Secretary Robredo on Feb. 1, 2011; DILG MC-21 was promulgated on Feb. 9, 2011. By Feb. 24, 2011, EO 26 was signed by President Aquino. That was how the ongoing National Greening Program materialized.
Secretary Robredo was indeed an exceptional government official the country will greatly miss.
—NELIA FUENTEBELLA,
executive director,
Billion Trees Program,
Trees For Life Foundation Inc.,
9/F LPL Tower, 112 Legaspi St.,
Legaspi Village, Makati City