LOCAL artists and musicians initiated their second wave of pursuing more signatures from outdoor enthusiasts and local residents who care for the environment, in support of the "Kahoy Kabuhi Ko" campaign for the preservation of mature trees, which accumulated near roadside peripheries.
Local artists Tibur Espinosa with the presence of Burog Alvarado, son of renowned artist Noni Alvarado, initiated the second wave of signature drive held at Loygoy bridge in Alangilan, Bacolod City on April 25. The first stage of the signature drive was held last April 18 wherein it gained support from outdoor enthusiasts like bikers, joggers, mountaineers and local residents who care for the environment.
Joining them were artists and musicians. Composing the group were Ram Martinez, vocalist; Bebot Buensuceso, bass guitarist; Hernan Mijares, drums and John Rolen Alles, a lead guitarist.
They conveyed their resistance against the cutting of trees through their songs which they performed during the second Sunday of their "Kahoy Kabuhi Ko" signature drive.
Tibur Espinosa said people were showing their support to the campaign as trees are indeed valuable to everyone.
The "Kahoy Kabuhi Ko: Outdoor is our life. Nature is our home" has gained support and this manifesto with the people's signatures will be sent to the concerned government agencies which were responsible for cutting of trees grown near the roadside peripheries.
They have expressed their grievance against agencies of government that were responsible for cutting trees to give way to road widening.
In their Kahoy Kabuhi Ko petition, they appeal for the protection and sparing of the native trees in roads leading to Barangay Alangilan, the bike capital of Bacolod City.
Native trees provide essential benefits to the local ecosystem including protection of the watershed and freshwater resources, improving continuity with the local natural landscape, reduction of noise and carbon pollution, and provision of food and shelter for endemic flora and fauna species, among many others.
Studies have revealed that people who are exposed to areas with good canopy have experienced less psychological stress.
They called on the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Local Government of Bacolod, Office of the Representative of Bacolod to refuse permission to further cut down native trees in some areas in Barangays Granada and Alangilan for the road widening projects.