DUMAGUETE City was named as the fifth-best retirement place in the world, according to Forbes magazine.
Its population is growing and the city’s pollution is also worsening, according to architect Ned Carlos.
As the city expands, Carlos said the city’s inhabitants should aim to create or design a more environment-friendly place.
“We need to create city ‘lungs,’ or urban gardens in the densest areas,” said Carlos, the principal architect of Dumaguete City-based Carlos and Antique Architects.
He said the simplest way is by planting thousands of trees around the city. Greenbelts of indigenous trees planted near the major roads will help offset carbon dioxide emissions.
In environmental terms, Carlos said this would translate into tons of carbon dioxide that would not endanger the atmosphere.
“We must re-design the way Dumaguete City functions if we are to leave our children—who in 25 years will be raising children of their own—a city that is functional and healthy,” Carlos said.
He said sustainability could make excellent business and tourism sense in Dumaguete City.
According to Carlos, it is prudent for Dumagueteños to contribute in the efforts in making the city healthy for all of its residents.