If two Quezon City councilors were to have their way, businessmen would be required to plant trees near their establishments before they could renew or receive their occupancy and business permits.
Based on the proposed ordinance authored by Councilors Gian Carlo Sotto and Allan Benedict Reyes of the city’s third district, businesses must also contribute to efforts to combat global warming and boost ecological conservation and the greening of Quezon City.
“The signs of global warming are becoming more evident as shown by extreme weather conditions that we have been experiencing like sudden heavy rains and [a] scorching rise in temperature. Hence, as a way of being proactive in establishing policies in making a livable environment for present and future generations, there is an imperative need to require massive tree planting in the community level,” they said.
Under the proposed ordinance, all owners of business establishments in Quezon City will be required to plant trees on the construction sites for new structures or in areas adjacent to their existing offices with the number of seedlings based on the area covered.