Vegetative Cover
The vegetative cover of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office II (DA-
RFO 2) area plays an essential role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting
sustainable farming systems, and protecting agricultural landscapes across the Cagayan
Valley Region. It encompasses forests, agricultural crops, grasslands, and urban green zones
that contribute to soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity enhancement.
Region II—comprising the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and
Batanes—features a diverse topography that supports extensive agricultural production
and natural vegetation.
The region’s vegetative landscape is characterized by a mix of agricultural lands,
forested areas, and grasslands. Forested areas are found mainly in the mountainous zones
of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and parts of Cagayan, serving as watersheds and biodiversity
habitats. Agricultural lands occupy about 60 to 65 percent of the region’s land area and are
dominated by rice, corn, banana, and high-value crops. Grasslands and shrublands are
common in upland and marginal areas used for grazing and reforestation initiatives, while
urban and peri-urban vegetation includes greenbelts, home gardens, and tree-lined streets
in regional centers such as Tuguegarao City and Ilagan City. The current vegetative cover
serves as both a production base and an environmental buffer protecting farmlands from
erosion, flooding, and drought impacts.
The developmental plan proposes to sustain, rehabilitate, and expand vegetative
cover through agroforestry systems, reforestation in degraded watersheds, and integration
of high-value crops and cover crops to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion. Green
buffer strips and windbreaks will be established along farmlands and irrigation canals.
Urban and peri-urban greening will be promoted through backyard and community
gardening programs, as well as ornamental and shade tree planting in cities. Protection of
watersheds and riverbanks will be strengthened through the establishment of vegetative
barriers and riparian buffers.
Maintaining and enhancing vegetative cover will generate environmental and socio-
economic benefits. It reduces soil erosion, regulates local microclimates, improves carbon
capture, and enhances the region’s capacity to withstand drought and flooding.
Economically, it provides additional income sources through fruit trees, bamboo, and
agroforestry crops. Community involvement will be encouraged in tree planting,
maintenance, and monitoring to strengthen stewardship and sustainability.
A Vegetation Management Program will be implemented to include annual
vegetation assessments using GIS and satellite imaging in partnership with DENR and LGUs.
Replanting, pruning, and pest management will be part of continuous maintenance efforts.
Local cooperatives and farmer organizations will play key roles in participatory
maintenance.
Table 1. Summary of Vegetative Cover Plan
Type of Vegetation Area Coverage Key Management Action
(Approx.) Location/Province
Forested/Woodland 25% Quirino, Nueva Conservation and
Areas Vizcaya reforestation
Agricultural Crops 60% Isabela, Cagayan Sustainable crop
diversification
Grasslands & 10% Cagayan, Isabela Conversion to
Shrublands agroforestry
Urban/Institutional 5% Tuguegarao, Ilagan Urban greening
Green Areas programs
The proposed vegetative cover initiatives under the DA Region II Developmental
Plan aim to strengthen environmental sustainability, enhance agricultural productivity, and
contribute to the long-term resilience of the Cagayan Valley Region. A balanced vegetative
landscape ensures that development goals align with ecological protection and food
security priorities.
