Wednesday, June 04, 2008 Thousands join 'Walk, Baguio, Walk' By Rimaliza Opiña
YOU are not a true blue Baguio resident if you ride rather than walk just to reach your destination.
This is a common saying among residents who say that because Baguio is a small city, walking to reach an office or establishment in the central business is more practical than riding.
Air pollution and the noonday heat however is beginning to take its toll, that many now prefer riding than walking if only to escape motor engine fumes as well to avoid getting burned under the hot sun.
In a bid to bring back the practice, which ultimately leads to cleansing the city's airs, the "Walk Baguio, Walk" was launched on Tuesday. Close to 2,000 government employees participated in the activity.
The project is aimed at promoting use of the mass transport system to lessen fumes emitted by motor vehicles. With the number of participants who attended Tuesday's launching, Environment Regional Director Samuel Peñafiel urged officials of the Cordillera to launch more projects meant to avert the effects of global warming.
Some of this means improving the garbage collection system and doing each other's responsibility in minimizing pollution, said Baguio Representative Mauricio Domogan.
Pioneers of the Baguio Regreening Movement were also hailed on Tuesday. Having been recognized as one of the city's leading non government organization in terms of environmental preservation, a kayabang (native basket) was passed to the participants as well to the add funds of the group.
Impressed by the turnout of participants, the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center committed to host next month's flag-raising ceremony, said City Administrator Peter Fianza.
Likewise, Baguio Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. organized a committee that would formulate strategies for a year round walking campaign.
And with the continuing bid to reforest Baguio's denuded mountains, the City Environment and Parks Management Office distributed coffee saplings to the participants.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) promotes not only reforestation of forest and watersheds, but they also encourage the planting of trees in backyards.
Unlike pine trees, coffee grows faster. It is also said to be a deterrent to the occurrence of landslides, which commonly occurs in mountainous areas.
