90,000 tree seedlings planted in parks, watershed

The city government, in partnership with concerned stakeholders,  planted more than ninety thousand assorted tree species in various parks and watersheds in the city during the celebration of the first Saleng or Tree festival held from June to September last year.

Rhenan Diwas , head of the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) disclosed that over 1,000 individuals actively participated in the series of city government-sanctioned tree-planting activities that contributed in enhancing the ongoing information and education campaign to help preserve and protect the city’s environment.

Further, he added there were also more than 300 motor vehicles that availed of the free smoke emission testing provided by the city government in strategic areas in the city which is also instrumental in helping improve the air quality around the city.

With the successful conduct of the first edition of the Tree Kart parade last year, the CEPMO head said this will be duplicated this year with innovations, such as the use of upcycle materials.

According to him, the Tree Kart Parade is one powerful advocacy of encouraging the business sector to greenify their facades even on a limited space and bridge the gap between city life and nature.

Based on the concept of the endeavor, tree karts are mounted with live potted trees and strolled in the streets and to be displayed for one week in open spaces like sidewalks and open parks thereby creating an instant greenery.

Diwas rallied the residents to support the various activities lined up by the city government in the celebration of the second Saleng or Tree festival to ensure the sustainable preservation and protection of the environment.He also urged groups interested to participate in upcoming tree planting activities to closely coordinate with the CEPMO to build a strong partnership between the city and the private sector in the conduct of the tree-planting activities in selected parks and watersheds to contribute in improving the greenery thereat. – Dexter A. See