IT IS sad to note that we do not see many trees within the downtown area anymore.
What little trees the downtown area has are found only in spots. For example, there is a decent number of trees along Tionko St. and Jacinto Ext. Some parks in the city also have a decent number of trees to give us shade. Sadly, the trees at Clifford Park along Roxas Ave. have been cut down to give way to rehabilitation.
Recently, development in the country are taking its toll on the handful of trees found within the urban centers. It is understandable that there are times that the trees have to be trimmed so as not to affect the electrical wires or to ensure the safety of the pedestrians. However, it is quite sad that we have to cut some of them down to give way to development.
It is quite ironic that cities or towns in the Philippines would cut trees to give way to development and then replace them with waiting sheds. What a sad reality.
It is important for the government, including the local government units, to value what little trees we have in our urban centers.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO), the strategic placement of trees in the cities “can help to cool the air between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, thus reducing the urban ‘heat island’ effect, and helping urban communities to adapt to the effects of climate change.”
It added that “the correct placement of trees around buildings can reduce the need for air conditioning by 30 percent.”
Trees are also valuable in reducing pollution in urban areas. UN-FAO states that mature trees can absorb up to 150 kilogram of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year. Thus, trees are able to improve the air quality of the city.
“Large trees are excellent filters for urban pollutants and fine particulates. They absorb pollutant gases (such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone and sulfer oxides) and filter fine particulates such as dust, dirt or smoke out of the air by trapping them on leaves and bark,” UN-FAO said.
Lastly, trees can improve the health and well-being of those living within the city.
“Research shows that living in close proximity of urban green spaces and having access to them, can improve physical and mental health,” UN-FAO said.
It is therefore important for the city to work with trees instead of working against it. There are multiple studies out there that would show trees are cost-effective solutions in making a city more livable.
We challenge the local government unit of Davao City to be more mindful of the trees when planning for the development of the city. It is not enough that we plant trees. The mature trees, which have more benefits, have to be taken care of and protected. Instead of cutting down the trees, the local government may want to work around it.