The Iloilo City government is also mulling to develop tree parks, aside from forest pockets, as part of its greening initiatives to improve eco-friendly efforts and develop environmental endeavors.

One Tree Park will be established at the mouth of Iloilo-Batiano River in Molo district’s Barangay Boulevard. It has an estimated area of about three hectares.

According to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, another one which will be dubbed as the Iloilo City Tree Park is also eyed to be developed at Barangay Lanit, Jaro next year.

“This is part of the tree park network to be established in different areas which includes eco-parks, wetlands and mangrove areas,” said Treñas.

He said the Iloilo City government aims for a greener city that will combat the effects of climate change, and build a better future for the next generations.

The said project was initiated by the Iloilo City Environment and Natural Resources Office in collaboration with the City Planning and Development Office.

The project will be implemented in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Public Works and Highways.

To recall, the city government has already established its first forest pocket along the floodway in Jaro district.

Forest pocket is a carefully chosen and densely planted collection of native trees, flowering shrubs and plants to put biodiversity pockets of life into neighborhoods and gardens.

According to Executive Assistant for Environment Armando Dayrit, the “Miyawaki method” has been adopted for the city’s forest pocket.

Miyawaki is a technique pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki that helps build dense, native forests. The approach is supposed to ensure that plant growth is 10 times faster and the resulting plantation is 30 times denser than usual./WDJ