A LAWMAKER here pushed to establish a funded greenhouse program to propagate forest trees for reforestation and promote urban greening.
Councilor Temujin Ocampo, committee chair on environment, is seeking to institutionalize an ordinance for the program in a bid to protect and preserve forests.
“Forests are the lifeblood of our environment. Our forests are not merely trees 一they are the very foundation of Iife. They purify the air we breathe, safeguard our water sources, stabilize our soil, and sustain the rich biodiversity that defines our locality,” he said in privilege speech.
“However, in Davao City, a significant increase in urbanization, land conversion, and deforestation has left us vulnerable to the risks of flooding, soil erosion, and biodiversity decline,” he added.
The program will be dedicated to the propagation of both endemic forest species such as but not limited to Narra, Molave, and Lawaan and select exotic species such as Eucalyptus and Gemelina that have proven value in soil stabilization, timber, and community livelihood.
The greenhouse program is aimed to secure a steady supply of quality seedlings for reforestation, urban greening, and barangay-based rehabilitation efforts.
It will promote ecological balance by prioritizing indigenous and endemic species while regulating the controlled use of exotics.
Through increased tree planting, it also aimed to strengthen climate resilience by addressing flooding and soil erosion.
The program is also seen as income generating as it will support livelihoods by introducing fruit-bearing and agroforestry tree species that provide food and income.
It is also eyed as a platform to foster partnerships and collaborative action among the city government, DENR, academe, NGOS, and communities for long-term forest protection by combining technical expertise, community engagement, and policy support.
“By institutionalizing this greenhouse program, we are not only investing in trees, but also in the future of our children, the safety of our community, and the resilience of our city,” Ocampo stressed.
