At 10 am on May 2nd, 2011,the dream the Friends of the Environment in Negros Oriental to plant more trees around the Dumaguete airport parking area was realized. It was a result of many meetings, consultations and collaborations.
FENOr took on this project because planting trees is one of the most effective ways of mitigating the effects of climate change, and trees are our best defenses against the increasing amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.
In addition, the heat reverberating from the concrete area is unbearable to our travelers/visitors, and vehicles parked in the open keep their engines idling to allow the air-conditioners to operate. Unfortunately, idling engines contribute so much air pollution and folks in the area, including well-wishers and greeters, have to endure the toxic exhaust fumes.
A natural solution would be to plant trees (preferably endemic) that will develop a wide crown for shade and cooler ambient temperature.
For this, we consulted our very own Rene Vendiola (fondly known as ‘Ite’), a self-taught dendrologist who planted his now six-year old Liptong Rainforest in Valencia, and who nurtures seedlings of trees that are endemic to Oriental Negros.
It was Vendiola who recommended the types of endemic trees appropriate for the airport parking location. Along with Esther Windler and the Valencia Department of Agriculture, Valencia donated the tree seedlings that we planted.
But holes had to be dug first, and this is where Engr. Greg Uymatiao came in. Uymatiao donated the use of his vehicle, equipment, and manpower to dig a total of 17 holes. This task was easily completed by Greg and his crew.
Next, we realized we had to protect the tree seedlings during its first three to five years of growth so there was now a need for tree guards. Enter Vice-Gov. Jun Arnaiz who was supportive of this project from the start. Through his office, FENOr was able to collaborate with the Provincial General Services Office, and Community Environment & Natural Resources Office-2 who provided us with tree guards for our planted trees.
In reality, none of these would have materialized without a plant-loving individual named Veronica Chuang, our Airport manager. Ever notice the greenery and landscaping around the airport terminal buildings? These are personal endeavors of Veronica. She is a lover of ‘green’ and was wholeheartedly supportive of this project from the very beginning.
Tree planting is easy but tree ‘growing’ is the vital part. Veronica assured us that she and her staff will care for our newly planted trees. Thus, we are confident the tree seedlings will surpass the critical initial growth period, and continue to adulthood to help create cooler ambient temperatures. Trees give us shade, beauty and the air we breathe. Trees absorb CO2, reduce pollution, and mitigate climate change. Help us nurture and protect them.
Leo Mamicpic
Friends of the Environment in Negros Oriental
