QuestionsQuestions (DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 97-34)
The objectives are: (1) establish linkages and coordination among agencies involved; (2) promote organized tree planting within power line system areas to reduce power distribution losses (especially non-technical losses); (3) ensure public safety and continuous electric services; and (4) promote aesthetic surroundings.
It refers to wastages due to power interruptions caused by outside factors/elements such as typhoons, overtopping trees, or entangled kites.
The DENR is the spearhead. It provides technical assistance (species choice and planting techniques), provides planting materials when/where available, and issues necessary permits to trim/prune/cut trees, including palms and shrubs.
The species must be determined by the DENR with the concurrence of cooperating agencies/organizations, based on the project site size, location, and climatic and edaphic conditions.
Examples: Candle Tree (Parmentiera cerifera), Hongkong Tree (Bauhinia blakeana), Katmon (Dillenia philippinensis), etc. Ornamental trees/plants may be planted along the side of the utility line using at least three (3) meters distance.
Ornamental trees must have horizontal and vertical clearance of 3.1 meters (10 feet) from transmission lines by maturity. Their side and overhanging branches must have 1.86 m–3.1 m (6–10 feet) clearance from utility lines; top branches about 1.24–1.86 m (4–6 feet) clearance.
They should not be planted under or within 6 meters distance opposite existing overhead lines.
Shrubs/garden plants may be planted along the line and on alleys/pathways because they do not have primary branches and single woody stems. Planting should be in straight lines/rows for proper monitoring and easier trimming/pruning.
Cutting is generally restricted and allowed only if: (1) the tree is dead/defective/posing hazards; (2) it poses a barrier to unavoidable infrastructures being built or improved; or (3) existing infrastructures (pavements/fences) show indications of being destroyed by the tree’s root systems.
For Metro Manila: MERALCO. For provinces: electric cooperatives/corporations.
For trees in public or forest lands or naturally growing trees: prior permit from the local DENR office. For trees within private lands: certification from the local DENR office.
It states that trees should be earthballed and transferred to a suitable place rather than cut or topped (when trimming/pruning/cutting is done).
These activities must be under the supervision of a technical DENR personnel.
The concerned DENR office identifies/sources good quality planting stock. Participating agencies produce their own planting materials; when available, DENR shall provide tree seedlings.
Concerned DENR offices conduct periodic monitoring/evaluation. Status report on program implementation is submitted quarterly to the DENR Secretary, with DOE as copy furnished. MERALCO and members of PHILRECA and PEPOA also submit quarterly status reports to DOE on their information campaign.
MERALCO and PHILRECA/PEPOA members with DOE, NEA, DILG, and PIA conduct information campaigns. DILG with NEA facilitates coordination between utilities and LGUs and mandates LGUs to circulate copies of the guidelines.
DPWH should endeavor to comply with the guidelines in the design and construction of national roads and other infrastructure projects.
DECS, in coordination with DOE, NEA, PHILRECA, PEPOA, and MERALCO, should emphasize citizen cooperation for “Safe Electricity Distribution Operations” in relevant science subjects and prepare modules for teachers and students.
It punishes the offender in accordance with Section 3 of PD 953, except when cutting is necessary to enhance beauty or as provided under AO 97-34 Section 3.3. If the offender is a public officer or employee, they may be dismissed from service and perpetually disqualified to hold office.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.