KC joins greening of RP highways program

Among the various organizations that participated in the recent launching of the Green Philippine Highways (GPH) is the Knights of Columbus (KC).

A brainchild of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo T. Reyes, the project involves the planting of indigenous and flowering tree species in major arteries in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and major thoroughfares in Metro Manila. It aims to restore air quality, particularly in areas where pollutants are concentrated so that these localities can reclaim an environment that is safe to live in.

Based on studies, a single tree can sequester 0.58 metric ton of carbon dioxide in its lifetime. And about 10 trees are needed to capture the emissions of one car. Hence about 50 million trees are needed along our major thoroughfares to offset the air pollution caused by motor vehicles nationwide.

GPH also aims to transform the dull major roads in urban areas especially Metro Manila, into a scenery of flowering trees. The project promotes strengthened public concern for the environment through social mobilization and sustained support.

The KC is an international civic organization with districts in various places of the country and is actively involved in this project. Its units under the Diocese of Novaliches have adopted a 1.2-kilometer segment of Commonwealth Ave. in North Fairview, Quezon City where they planted narra saplings in the center island from the junction of Regalado Ave. to the junction of Mindanao extension.

In its environmental efforts, the KC usually works in tandem with the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI), International. For the GPH, the DMI of the Diocese of Cubao and Mater Dei Circle, Lagro, Quezon City under the leadership of diocesan regent Virginia Davide and regent Elvie Zapata, respectively, adopted a segment of the Mindanao Ave. extension where they planted Ficus benjamina and bougainvilla. — Benny Enriquez