Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu plans to ask either Congress or President Rodrigo Duterte to require all subdivisions in Metro Manila to allot a certain portion of their property for tree planting.
“I will request the Congress or the President for an EO to plant more trees in subdivision,” Cimatu said.
Cimatu said planting more trees would help reduce the air pollution in Metro Manila, which is a result of urbanization.
“The DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) has a bureau and this is what we call the ecosystem research development bureau. This is a research arm which continuously generates research which concerns the land, water and air. There is a rapid urbanization specially in Manila. My first instruction is to conduct research on how to improve or reduce air pollution in Metro Manila,” said Cimatu.
He cites studies showing urbanization as the major driver of climate change brought about by global warming.
Cimatu called for a collective effort among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to achieve economic and socially equitable growth without further compromising the environment in the face of economic integration and climate change.
Speaking at the gathering of research and development experts from Asean member countries and dialogue partners, Cimatu said the goal of sustainable urbanization in the region could only be achieved if mega cities and other urbanizing areas would get their act together.
“Asean mega cities such as Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bandar Seri Begawan and Manila and other highly urbanized cities in Vietnam, Lao P.D.R., Myanmar and Cambodia should collectively and proactively work together to make urbanization as environmentally sustainable as possible,” Cimatu said.
“Any of their innovative solutions should come out from partnerships with the government, academe, socio-civic organizations and private groups. And, we all know that this is a big challenge to all Asean member countries,” he added.
Cimatu said the four-day regional conference served as an avenue for exchange of information and collaboration in exploring ways to develop mechanisms and safeguards to achieve sustainable urbanization in the Asean Economic Community.