Plant Trees

TREES don't necessarily need people. People definitely need trees. One tree can neutralize 26 pounds of carbon dioxide per year and give off 13 pounds of oxygen daily — that volume's enough for a family of four. One study points out that an acre of trees can render harmless 13 tons of airborne dust particles and deadly gases each year.

A single large tree can release up to 400 gallons of water into the atmosphere each day. That ought to explain the cooling effect of any stand of trees, say, the Arroceros Tree Park that'll soon be chopped dead by certain top officials of Manila.

Trees intercept rainwater, aid soil absorption for gradual release into streams — a natural function that curbs off flooding while filtering toxins and impurities, and extending water availability into dry months.

Another unassigned task: cleanse ground water as it filters through a tree's roots. US studies point out that for every dollar spent on upkeep of trees, people get three dollars worth of benefits.

Hereabouts where money grows on 'em trees, both legal and illegal logging can convert huge sums of trees into cold cash. It's an easy process. Forest stands are chopped dead, the precious lumber carted away — let God plant some more of 'em. But God just won't oblige. That's bad and sad.

We don't call the unabated conversion of trees into cash as a man-made calamity or sheer insanity. We may call it a joke.

We call the tragedy of Ormoc of 1991 as an "act of God."

We'll call the mass interment via mudslide at Guinsaugon village in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte as another "act of God."

God must be shaking His head in chagrin.

It was instant burial for 1,400 villagers. An entire village was turned into one mass grave.

Experts say the area's unsound soil cover, heavy rainfall and deforestation may all have contributed to the tragedy. PJI Editorial

Please plant a tree before it becomes too late . . .