AN ENVIRONMENTAL group in Davao City urged business owners to consider urban gardening not only for beautification but also to contribute in the environmental protection of the city.
Urban gardening is an approach to growing and raising food in densely populated urban centers like Davao City.
Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) managing trustee Mary Ann Fuentes told SunStar Davao that while there is already an existing ordinance requiring green space in subdivision development projects in the city, other business establishments should also have a space for urban gardening.
The green space ordinance was approved in 2016 mandating the future development projects in the city to allocate 10 percent of its area for green space or an area planted with trees and other plants.
“I do not think mahirap naman gawin ang urban gardening sa mga small business establishments. In fact, beautification pa nga ‘yan sa kanila at hindi naman magastos,” Fuentes said, adding that businesses with smaller space could have a vertical garden instead.
“Ang ganda nga na i-require ang mga small business establishments to have kahit maliit or packets of green space in their area,” she said.
Since the city’s economy is continuously booming during the past few years as seen on major infrastructures in the city, Idis wants Dabawenyos to remain wary about its environment.
Fuentes said they may not pursue yet on proposing the city council for a policy, but they will be actively promoting to business owners the benefits of having an urban garden.
Fuentes said they are now trying to strengthen their advocacy on green spaces by also acknowledging establishments showing green efforts and activities.
“Wag muna tayo sa policy, doon muna tayo sa promotion and advocacy. Unti- untiin muna natin. Pero yung tingin ko, madali naman i-enforce ang policy to require urban gardening in business establishments in the city if ever,” she said.