The local government launched Monday afternoon the “Iloilo Blooms: Bulak sa Pag-USWAG” a public-private initiative to bring together communities in balancing ecology and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the urban landscape.

“It’s about making Iloilo the Garden City among the cities in the Philippines. It can be the pioneer, then maybe the rest of the city in the Philippines will copy like Singapore,” said consultant Shirley B. Sanders of Gardens by Sanders, Inc., in an interview.

The initiative aims to collect 20,000 cuttings each of bougainvillea, Fukien tea tree, gumamela (hibiscus), golden ficus, and yellow bells that will be distributed in each of the eight districts of the city.

They will also be planting the Kalachuchi tree, Palawan cherry blossoms, golden trumpet tree, Botong, Molave, and Banaba trees.

Sanders said they intend to plant 30,000 bougainvilleas and 30,000 yellow bells on the city’s center island, plants that are not high maintenance.

“For every district, we are suggesting a color coding. We wanted it color-coded,” she added.

During the launch, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas signed the executive order (EO) establishing the initiative and the technical working group (TWG) that will lead in its implementation.

“Everyone in Iloilo City is encouraged to drop off endemic plant tree seedlings and cuttings and gardening supplies to be planted in the city’s tree parks, tree gardens, and other public spaces. Individuals, families, educational institutions, civic society organizations, local businesses, and other entities are encouraged to participate in this drive,” the EO stated.

Those interested in donating can drop off plants and supplies at the Iloilo City Garden of Love from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting July 9.

The collection zones are in Molo Plaza on Mondays, La Paz Plaza on Tuesdays, Jaro Plaza on Wednesdays, Arevalo and Mandurriao Plazas on Thursdays, and Plaza Libertad on Fridays for those who cannot drop off at the Garden of Love.

The chair and co-chair of the TWG are Janis Sy of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and Engr. Neil Ravena of the General Services Office, while the members are representatives from the City Public Information Office, City Agriculture Office, JCI Ilang Ilang, Garden Club of Iloilo Inc., Zonta Club of Iloilo City 1 Inc., Ditas Taleon, and Leanette Jabano.

The mayor’s wife, Rosalie, is joining Sanders as a consultant. (PNA)