Iloilo City Launches Tree Planting Drive for Environment Day

By Mariela Angella Oladive

In celebration of World Environment Day 2025, the Iloilo City government launched a simultaneous tree planting activity early Thursday, June 5, along Sunset Boulevard and Diversion Road with hundreds of volunteers participating.

The event, organized by the General Services Office (GSO) and City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), kicked off a series of urban greening efforts to combat climate change and enhance the city’s resilience to extreme weather.

The program officially began at 5 a.m., followed by tree planting activities from 5:15 to 7 a.m.

In a press conference ahead of the event, GSO head Engr. Neil Ravena stressed the urgency of addressing the city’s rising heat index, which has reached dangerous levels in some areas.

“This activity aims to mitigate the risks of climate change and improve the resiliency of Iloilo City,” Ravena said.

“We already experience a high heat index. That’s why one of our focuses is Diversion Road. The mayor is concerned, and based on our monitoring, temperatures there have reached 46 to 48 degrees Celsius,” he added.

A total of 300 native trees will be planted along Diversion Road, including its roadsides and center islands, while 200 native trees, along with 500 bougainvillea and yellow bells, will be planted at Sunset Boulevard.

Volunteers came from various sectors, including local government offices, community organizations, and private institutions.

CENRO head Janis Sy said today’s tree planting activity marks only the beginning of broader efforts.

More planting events are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, in coordination with other government agencies and private partners.

The initiative is part of Iloilo City’s long-term commitment to climate action and urban sustainability.