AS part of its continuing effort to beautify Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has put up vertical greeneries or gardens under the flyovers and on tunnel walls along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa).

 MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said that the greening project aims to address the urban aesthetics of the metropolis and raise environmental awareness among developers and urban designers.

“We want to revitalize Metro Manila’s ecosystem against rapid urbanization and this planting of ornamental plants is a big help,” he added.

Tolentino also urged urban designers and architects to incorporate environment conservation in their infrastructure projects.

The greenery program involves the installation of vertical plant boxes along Edsa, particularly on the tunnel walls, where green ornamental plants will be planted and cultivated.

Tolentino said that these vertical greeneries not only beautify the surroundings but also helps reduce air pollution.

The agency’s Landscape Management Division has started the construction of vertical gardens at the underpasses of P. Tuason, Shaw Boulevard and Ayala. Plant boxes will also be put up on 900 lampposts along Edsa.

Sidewalks and median islands will also undergo repair and improvement, Tolentino said.

“This re-greening project will go beyond Edsa and will be replicated in other corridors,” Tolentino added.

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has recently passed MMDA Resolution No. 11-01, Series of 2011 approving the implementation of the re-greening program for Metro Manila.