Mabilog eyes greenbelt at Iloilo City diversion road

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Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog is eyeing the regreening of both sides of the Iloilo diversion road in Mandurriao district and establish a greenbelt by planting trees and beautify some two to three kilometer stretch fronting SM City shopping mall.

Supported by Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon, the project is envisioned to take off early next year and will also have a bicycle lane in the sides of a four lane road.

Mabilog said the regreening of the diversion road will be taken care of by the city government as additional component of the Iloilo River development project and added attraction of the city main thorougfare.

The need for a greenbelt in the busy road will help mitigate the effects of adverse climate change and environmental and tourism advocates to come and see the Esplanade and the street connecting to it.

The city mayor admitted that he was inspired by a book written by scientists Dr. Jurgen Primavera and Dr. Rex Sabada entitled “Beach Forests and Mangrove Associates in the Philippines” which encourages planting of native trees even in subdivisions and along the beaches, including along the important road gateways and highways.

The city mayor said he is going to consult Dr. Primavera on the greenbelt project of the city along the diversion road.

Meanwhile, Drilon, accompanied by Environment Secretary Ramon Paje Jr., went to Calinog on Saturday. November 17, 2012 to launch the regreening component of the P11.2 billion Jalaur River Multi-purpose Project (JRMP).

The reforestation project component of JRMP is part of the P5.8 billion regreening endeavor of the Aquino administration implemented in three river basins in the country. It is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Iloilo project will upgrade the forest cover for Jalaur in the Iloilo municipalities of Calinog, Lambunao and Janiuay. By Lydia C. Pendon

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