IT WAS a year ago when Iloilo City turned to communal vegetable gardening to augment food supply in the middle of a public health crisis. This barangay-based “edible landscaping” also helps in making the city “green”.
Another undertaking that also has the same eco-friendly goal is the city government’s forest pocket project. Last year, it started establishing one along the floodway in Jaro district. Native trees, flowering shrubs and plants were used observing the “Miyawaki method” — a technique pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki that helps build dense, native forests. The approach is supposed to ensure that plant growth is 10 times faster and the resulting plantation is 30 times denser than usual.
And this year, the city government and the Department of Agriculture agreed to prepare a plant nursery in Barangay Tacas, Jaro as a venue for training and showcasing urban farming.
Indeed, it’s not true we can only grow trees and forests in rural areas or the countryside. Even in the urban environment we can do this, as Iloilo City has shown. We can certainly grow trees and provide green spaces to improve the urban environment. On the aspect of climate change, plants store and convert carbon for growth instead of being released into the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. Also, trees collect water in their branches and soil and therefore help prevent flooding.
Urban forestry, which is the management of trees for the well-being of the urban community, is crucial in addressing pollution and mitigate impacts of climate change within urban areas. It breaks the notion that there is no space for trees and natural ecosystems in the urban setting. Trees are excellent filters in removing harmful pollutants in the air we breathe, and also provide shade and shelter for the people and habitats for the animals.
We could also expect an improved quality in our water as trees and forests filter and regulate water supply. Green spaces within our urban communities could also generate tourism and encourage healthy lifestyles.
We have witnessed rapid urbanization and modernization at the expense of our environment. It is time we work towards a greener and more sustainable life for all.
