Civic groups join urban greening program of DENR

In line with the urban greening program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and in celebration of Arbor Day, the Daughters of Mary Immaculate International (DMI) of the Diocese of Cubao together with the Lions International joined the DENR-National Capital Region (NCR) in a tree planting activity at the University of the Philippines’ Mini Forest Park, Quezon City. Leading the activity were DENR-NCR Regional Technical Director for Forestry Melchor Magsanoc and Ecology Center Project Manager Carlos Gubat I; DMI Mater Dei Circle and Holy Spirit Circle regents Mely Gubat and Gigi Davide, respectively; and Johnny Co of the Lions International District 301-D-1.

Urban Greening is one of the measures being aggressively implemented by the DENR-NCR mainly for the improvement of the environment of Metro Manila, particularly its air quality, towards good health of its populace. It is also undertaken for soil erosion and storm water control, and aesthetic enhancement of its concrete landscape. In order to hasten this greening effort, NCR puts premium in the production and planting of fast growing tree species such as mahogany, gmelina, mangium and aure.

The planting of shrubs, flowering plants and trees that are highly resistant to pollution, like adelfa, bougainvilla, campanilla, pandan, san francisco, ipil-ipil, molave and yemane is also promoted. Studies show that each healthy tree has a cooling effect of 10 air conditioners that is why trees are sometimes referred to nature’s "air conditioners."

Urban greening’s pioneering programs were Hardin ng Bayan Program, Clean and Green Program, Ecological Revolution and Lets Go Green. The components of urban greening have dramatically changed in 2000 to cope with the increasing demands of Metro Manila populace for quality life not to mention the needed facelift of the surroundings.

Hence, the following have been included: Oplan Sagip Puno, Oplan Ayos Puno; production of indigenous and endemic ornamental plants; landscaping; establishment of more mini-forest parks; provision of technical assistance in the development of municipal/city greening master plan; promoting the concept of roof gardens; establishment of Forest Museum at the University of the Philippines; establishment of theme garden in Quezon Memorial Circle; establishment of Tree Bank; use of pole sized tree for roadside planting; and planting of bamboo along riverbanks.

To encourage greater involvement in this endeavor, the said office provides of technical assistance and planting materials to partners/participating agencies, organizations, schools and other groups. Assured of these during the tree planting, the DMI International and Lions International also signified their intention to participate more often in joint undertaking for the greening of Metro Manila.