Green EDSA Movement to be launched

(As released) The Green EDSA Movement or GEM will be launched in a virtual ceremony on April 22, 2021, the global celebration of Earth Day from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Government and private sector organizations, leaders and green groups shall declare their solidarity with the movement to transform EDSA into an iconic tree-lined greenway, prioritizing people mobility over vehicle mobility, and a greener environment to address climate change.

“We are deeply committed to our civic duty to protect the environment, which enables us to lead lives in continuing socio-economic prosperity, ecological balance and general well-being,” explained Eduardo Yap, chairman of GEM’s core convenors group. “We aim to transform EDSA through robust advocacy for public-private partnership in carrying out Green improvement projects.”

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III will deliver the keynote message at the launching program. He recently called for “strong collective action against the climate crisis," which is causing devastating damage to lives and property from stronger typhoons, hotter summers and rising sea level. His call is consistent with the exhortation of the United Nations for all countries to declare a climate emergency.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade will deliver a message of support. He initiated the transformation of EDSA with reforms in mass transportation, particularly the full rehabilitation of MRT3, new busway on inner lanes and bus system reforms for people mobility in conformance with the national transportation plan.

These reforms have created the opportunity to transform EDSA further with walkable tree-lined sidewalks and bike lanes.

Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos, together with Mayor Abigail Binay of Makati, Carmencita Abalos of Mandaluyong City, Joy Belmonte of Quezon City and Bel-Air barangay chairperson Constancia “Nene” Lichauco are expected to deliver messages of solidarity and their respective green initiatives.

The MMDA has charge of EDSA and will be a key player in its transformation and beautification under a sustainable green program with measurable targets and a timetable that the Movement will advocate and support.

As part of the launching ceremony, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) will plant 6 balitbitan trees along the long EDSA frontage of its new huge FAME condominium complex. Aboitiz Equity Ventures Green Program head Manuel Lozano will deliver an inspirational message of support. Notable also is the participation of Energy Development Corp. (EDC) which has signified that it will lend its deep botanical and tree planting expertise to the Movement and donate seeds of special carbon-absorbing trees for the greening of EDSA. 

Retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, Jr. leads the roster of advisers in the advisory panel of the movement. Others include Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Corp, Richard Tantoco of Energy Development Corp, Doris Ho Magsaysay of the Magsaysay Shipping Group and environmental law expert Antonio Oposa Jr., who were invited to help this civic undertaking.

Overwhelming and enthusiastic support to the movement are being rendered the largest business, professional, civic and green organizations in the country, among others are: Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), Makati Business Club (MBC), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), American Business Chamber (AMCHAM), Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), PHILEXPORTS, GREENPRO and Move-As-One Coalition.

Lawyer Francisco Ed Lim, FINEX president, will speak on its organization’s support to the Movement. His remarks is representative of the sentiment of the community.

Supporting green groups are Earth Day Network headed by lawyer Wigberto Tañada Jr., Green Convergence headed by Nina Galang, Zero Waste Philippines headed by Lenor Berroya and Bikers United Movement with co-founder Andrea Angala. Others are expected to join.

The core convenors composing the steering committee are Eduardo Eddie Yap, chairman, Evelyn Singson, vice chairperson. Others are Emmanuel Bonoan, Herminio Coloma Jr., Santiago F. Dumlao Jr., Baltazar Endriga, Margarita Floirendo, Maan Hontiveros, Alfredo Parungao, Anton San Diego and Marife Zamora.

A technical working group provides technical expertise. It is composed of engineer Telesforo Pena, environmentalist Lynn Monsanto, environmental scientist Mylene Cayetano, PhD., visualist Ric Gindap, architect Gaston Pastrana, an arborist and urban landscape planner are also being invited. — As released