Sustained pro-environment monitoring activities must be strictly enforced to ensure that ecological programs nationwide are fully maintained and in order through the end, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) said on Saturday, June 6.

ULAP president Dakila “Dax’’ Cua argued that the resources devoted to embarking on such activities would go to waste if the projects are not seen through to the end.

Cua pointed to tree-planting activities, stressing the need for following through on such endeavors, “as planting is only the start and could have no effect if the saplings are left untended.’’

Further, Cua noted that planting trees is not much difficult but it is much harder to see these plants grow into actual trees “that function as buffers against heat and flood.”

“We welcome all pro-environment activities as valuable interventions that harness the people’s desire to do their part for Mother Nature. But I hope that we will also be reminded that meaningful change requires sustained effort over the long term,’’ Cua asserted.

“Lahat ng nasimulan, kailangang alagaan natin at huwag pabayaan upang makita natin ang magandang epekto at lumago ito (All that was started should be taken cared of and should not be left unattended to see its positive effect and for it to prosper),’’ he added.

Cua has been advocating for the country to create a “green wall” via aggressive reforestation and re-greening of public spaces to combat the effects of climate change.

The ULAP chief has renewed his call for the green wall, especially as the country braces itself for the effects of an impending El Niño.