Sunday, October 12, 2008 City strives to become 'greener'
CITY of San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez led various environmental stakeholders in the launching of an urban greening program along the busy McArthur Highway in the city Friday.
The program "Urban Forestry in Highways" aims to make this city's main thoroughfares more conducive to motorists by propagation of trees along the side of the roads.
Launched in cooperation with ABS-CBN Foundation, the program brought together various schools and environmental groups.
"This project will see the start of greening programs for our highways like tree planting and beautification drives," Rodriguez said, stressing that aside from the aesthetic beauty of trees along highways, trees also provide the needed clean air that is vital for healthy living.
In accordance with the program launching, participating students from various schools like New Era University, Saguin Elementary School, Baliti Elementary School, Panipuan Elementary School, Lara Elementary School, Telabastagan Elementary School, San Pablo Elementary School and St. Ann Colleges held banners and streamers with environmental themes and messages to protect the environment.
"We want motorists to see these messages and somehow make motorists help the environment," Judith Reyes, a Grade VI pupil of Baliti Elementary School said.
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was also signed between the City Government and other stakeholders for the establishment of major plan of action to protect trees in the city as well as major initiatives to plant new ones.
"This project also targets the awareness of young students to care for their environment and protect what ever is left of it," Rodriguez said.
Asked about his position regarding the plan of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to clear the trees along the McArthur Highway for purposes of widening the highway, Rodriguez said the move should be first consulted with various stakeholders.
"I invite debate and consultation on the matter, though my personal stand is I am against the cutting of the trees here," Rodriguez added.
After the MOA signing, a motorcade was held along the said highway participated by the Environmental Practitioners Association, San Fernando Bikers Club, schools, and City Government officials. (IOF)
