Series of tree-growing activities kicked off for greener Iloilo City

Category : AGRI-NEWS | Sub Category : PROVINCIAL Posted on 2025-06-07 05:38:24

PNA

ILOILO CITY –  The local government kicked off a series of tree-growing initiatives on Thursday, planting over 600 native and flowering trees along Sunset Boulevard and Diversion Road in Mandurriao district in observance of World Environment Day.

Mayor-elect Raisa Treñas-Chu, who led the activity at Sunset Boulevard, said it is a milestone as she starts her administration on June 30, adding that it will be one of her top priorities.

“This will not be the first. We will continue because Iloilo, as of last time, has less than 10 percent green cover. We plan to increase our green cover. For this administration, we will do it gradually. Probably, we will start with 20 percent to improve the green cover of Iloilo City so that we will have a cleaner and greener city,” she said in an interview.

Research showed that the international standard was around 30 to 40 percent.

In her speech, she also called for public donations of tree saplings, with individuals and corporations already contributing. 

Those unable to donate were encouraged to plant trees in their own communities.

“This planet is not ours to use; it’s ours to protect. Trees give us clean air, shade and life, and it also gives us a future. This tree planting will not end today; it is just the beginning,” she added.

Environment and Natural Resources regional executive director Raul Lorilla, in his message during the program, said trees provide tangible and intangible benefits.

With the continuous development and concrete projects in the city, he said trees provide cooler weather and shade amid the heat reflection.

“While celebrating World Environment Day in Iloilo City, let us show to the world and the Philippines that Ilonggos unite in recognizing the impact of climate change and through our own little contribution, we work to counter the extreme effects of the environment,” Lorillla said.

The activity is part of DENR’s Project TRANSFORM (Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Environmental Sustainability through Multi stakeholder Engagement)which aims to raise Iloilo’s forest cover to 30 percent within five years.