Over 600,000 trees will be planted in strategic areas in Dauis and Panglao and even in Dimiao, Guindulman, Albur, Loay, Balilihan under the Biodiversity Plan of the New Bohol Airport Construction and Sustainable Environmental Protection Project (NBACSEPP).
The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Salem Quiwag reported on Wednesday during the regular coordination meeting for the new airport construction.
The plan is in relation to environmental sustainability component of the New Bohol International Airport.
Seedlings are being hatched at the Balilihan and Catigbian Nurseries and target plantation sites are being established and prepared for planting, according to DENR-Bohol.
Activities have begun in the town of Dimiao, where 53, 425 indigenous and fruit tree seedlings have been planted across 21 hectares of land.
Gov. Edgar Chatto, who presides the regular meetings, said Boholanos must be informed of tree planting activities and urged likewise to plant indigenous trees in government-owned areas like road sides and parks, and fruit-bearing trees in privately owned lots, as advised by DENR.
The commitment of the new airport project is to plant 1,700 trees and 200,000 shrubs in the project area itself, the greening in airport surroundings already evident as the airport nears completion.
DOTr Project Manager Engr. Ed Mangalili reports the completion of the new airport is at 93.11% as of August 25.
In the same meeting, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported completion of the 3 sections of access roads leading to and from the new airport are ahead of schedule.
Gov. Chatto and Provincial Administrator Ae Damalerio were able to inspect one of access roads, Barangay Lourdes to airport terminal, after the meeting.
The Bohol Panglao International Airport, as officially named, is the first eco airport and dubbed as the Green Gateway to the World.
Aside from the Biodiversity Plan, the airport project has Japanese Technology Energy saving and environmentally-friendly features.
The buildings within the complex were also designed to make the most of natural sunlight and air, but pre-departure areas, control rooms, and offices are equipped with energy saving air conditioning and natural ventilation
Solar power can meet 30% of requirements of the terminal building but also allows for solar capability in other buildings.
The airport also uses LED lights, has a solar hot water supply system, a rain catchment pond, a soaking yard, a management system for hazardous waste, and a wastewater treatment facility. (EDCOM)