Iloilo City: The local government initiated a series of tree-growing initiatives, planting over 600 native and flowering trees along Sunset Boulevard and Diversion Road in the Mandurriao district. This effort is in observance of World Environment Day.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor-elect Raisa Tre±as-Chu, who led the activity, emphasized the significance of this milestone as she prepares to assume office on June 30. She declared that enhancing Iloilo City's green cover would be a priority for her administration. "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 stated in an interview.

Research indicates that the international standard for green cover is around 30 to 40 percent. In her speech, Tre±as-Chu also encouraged public donations of tree saplings, noting that both individuals and corporations have already begun contributing. Those unable to donate were urged to plant trees within their 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 highlighted the benefits of trees during the program. He noted that with ongoing development and urban projects, trees play a crucial role in providing cooler weather and shade, mitigating the effects of 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," Lorilla said.

The initiative is part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' 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.