In its bid to enhance the natural beauty and charm of the City promenade, the City Tourism Office initiated a rehabilitation program that includes the planting of bani trees (Pongamia pinnata) along Rizal Boulevard.
A species native to Southeast Asia, bani trees bear flowers that look similar to cherry blossom of the Japanese cherry trees. The wide canopy of bani not only provides shade but can also more easily sequester air pollutants.
The ceremonial planting of trees held on Oct. 2 has gained the support of the local community including the Focolare Movement, BPI Bayan Dumaguete, Kinaiyahan Inc., the Friends of the Environment in Negros Oriental, and the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen & Professionals Dumaguete North Chapter.
The groups have committed to be “foster parents” of the trees for at least one year. They will water the seedlings everyday, clear the immediate area of weeds and trash, and occasionally fertilize the soil.
The City, for its part, has committed to provide sturdy tree guards until the seedlings are fully grown.
The City Tourism Police Force and other residents who frequent the boulevard have likewise pledged their support by monitoring the condition of the trees on a daily basis. (Leodegario Rosales)