Every day should be Earth Day if man is to survive -- Loren

Senator Loren Legarda said that yesterday's Earth Day celebration was extra special for her because Luntiang Pilipinas, the environmental group she founded to plant trees nationwide, will also mark its 10th year of existence this year.

"If Luntian was just a tree-sapling 10 years ago, then how strong and sturdy a tree it has grown since I and a handful of volunteers decided to start an environmental revolution for the sake of future generations," said Legarda.

"This organization of dedicated men and women has already planted two million trees since its founding on Oct. 28, 1998. On to another 10 years of planting oxygen-producing and pollution-absorbing trees," said Legarda.

She stressed that for Luntian members, whose number has grown exponentially through the years, "every day is Earth Day, as it should be for all people if mankind is to survive."

Luntian has been forging partnerships with various government agencies, non-government organizations, the academe, corporations and socio-civic groups. Among its partners are the Department of Education (DepEd), Bayer Philippines and Habitat for Humanities Foundation.

"The name Luntiang Pilipinas sums up our aspiration for the greening once again of our once verdant country. It affirms our belief that we can do a lot to protect and conserve the environment for our children and the future generations," Legarda said.

To sustain its tree-planting activities, Luntiang Pilipinas has put up its own seedling bank in Laguna and continues to expand its network of volunteer members known as the Green Crusaders, she said.

The volunteers have thus far established forest parks in urban areas all over the country, with the venues strategically chosen for their accessibility to the public, for planting and maintenance purpose. Trees have also been planted along the north and south Luzon expressways and on traffic islands.

"The trees planted on roadsides serve two purposes. First, they beautify our surroundings and give us a welcome break from the concrete urban jungle we live in. More importantly, the trees on roadsides remove air pollutants while giving off fresh oxygen," she said.

Legarda, who also founded the Save our Seas and Trees For Life foundations, pointed out that a lot has to be done to save the environment and to stop global warming.

"But as I've said before the Senate today, we cannot be paralyzed by the immensity of the environmental challenges facing us. We must act now," said Legarda, a United Nations Environmental Program awardee.

"Mankind's survival is dependent on trees as they supply as with the oxygen we breathe, while they absorb the carbon dioxide we exhale, the noxious fumes of our industries and vehicles, and all other air pollutants." Legarda said being a Green Crusader is a long-term commitment as it entails not only planting trees, but also caring for them for at least three years or until such time that they are able to survive without or with limited human intervention. With the increasing environment awareness, the membership of the foundation is steadily climbing, she said.

Luntian volunteers get a membership card that serve as a discount card, medical card, legacy card and seedling nursery card. They are updated on the progress of the organization through quarterly circulars and periodicals.

"I am happy to see Luntian where it is right now. I am inspired by the zeal and spirit of my fellow volunteers who go about this singular but difficult quest of greening the Philippines once again," Legarda said.