Business groups rally behind initiative to make Edsa green

SEVERAL business groups threw support behind the Green Edsa Movement (GEM), an initiative aiming to improve mobility and to reduce carbon emission in Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare.

Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex) President Francisco Ed. Lim said during the launch of GEM on Thursday that both the government and private sector have roles to play in making Edsa green.

Lim said that businesses along Edsa should be willing to renovate or redevelop their properties to “improve urban landscape” and incorporate eco-friendly measures. These include the establishment of bike lanes and greenways, among others.

“It will not only increase property values, but more importantly, it will contribute to mitigating adverse effects of climate change,” Lim said.

“We look forward to the transformation of Edsa where people mobility is prioritized, where mass transportation is fueled by clean energy, where greenways are developed, and pedestrians are given first base as identified in the National Transportation Policy of 2017,” he added.

He explained that establishing greenways could both help in making the communities healthy and attracting tourism-related business opportunities that can create jobs.

“They [greenways] contribute to the overall health of residents by offering attractive, safe and accessible places to bike, walk and jog.

With less people using motorized vehicles, the air pollution will be reduced,” Lim said.

Eduardo H. Yap, chairman of GEM’S core conveners’ group, said the initiative was launched to address the climate change arising from excessive carbon emissions of vehicles, especially in Edsa.

Yap said this calls for “a green program with measurable targets and timelines and measures for sustainability.”

GEM envisions a tree-lined Edsa with wide sidewalks for walking and promenading. It advocates for the construction of public and private infrastructures—with eco-friendly design—that provide space for people mobility and greenery.

The initiative supports the National Transportation Policy, which prioritizes the people mobility over vehicle mobility and promotes mass public transportation run by clean energy. These, in addition rationalizing road sharing of bikes, private vehicles, pedestrian and public transportation vehicles.

“Our vision is to transform Edsa into an iconic green avenue,” Yap said.

Apart from Finex, the other business groups that supported the said initiative include American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Anvil Business Club, Bankers Association of the Philippines, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Federation of Filipino-chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce, Filipina CEO Circle, Fintechalliance.ph, Guild of Real Estate Entrepreneurs and Professionals, Integrity Initiative and Makati Business Club.

Management Association of the Philippines, Move As One Coalition, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Philippine Life Insurance Association, Philippine Retailers Association, Philippine Women’s Economic Network, Procurement and Supply Institute of Asia, Shareholders Association of the Philippines, Subdivision and Housing Developers Association Inc. and Women Business Council Philippines also backed the launching of GEM.