Trees and development

The scorching sun seems to rant on its own. Through the growing heat, lesser beings like us dock and seek the nearest shade. Trees are become our best shelter as we walk along the sidewalks. The backlash of mother nature can never be more felt.

That is why I call for the planting of more trees. In all available spaces that are non-obtrusive to development. Which means, we too need to review our land use plans to ensure that our long-term development goals do not trample on the new seeds we grow.

Aside from planting trees, we should also look into the preservation of our wetlands.  Many wetlands which serve as recharge areas are now being reclaimed to accommodate more subdivisions and commercial spaces thus leading to more floods and landslips.

Just as I advocate for the environment, I would also want to take a stand of support for development. The stance of Mayor Tomas Osmeña to move some two thousand trees to make way for the BRT lanes settle well with me for it will solve one of our biggest problems, which is traffic. Let us take away some of our conservative hats off for a while and put on a practical one.

Because some of the trees along the roads that have been widened remain there, they also become hazards to the motorists especially as night where people do not have enough illumination to see clearly. The trees though stately look distressed in the middle of the roads and so out of place. Bowling them out and transferring them to parks or community spaces may give them better room to spread their foliage.

Planting more trees and other plants will continue to emit the much needed coolants for our humid climate. But let us allocate the spaces for them. Where they can be enjoyed and appreciated better, and where they can give shade and not be a cause of accidents.

Taking out of over two thousand trees will require the replacement of at least ten trees per tree uprooted. So that would multiply the number of trees to be planted in appropriate areas.

In development projects, even in subdivisions, greens are required. Now that does not limit it to trees alone but to other greeneries. Open and common spaces are also part of the requirements so there can be more greens planted in the peripheries. As long as the trees do not cause danger when typhoons come or pose a threat to property and life.

Let us therefore continue to grow trees in the right areas, implement a good comprehensive land use plan, and work for a development that is environmentally sound as it is facilitative.