The local government here needs more native seedlings for its massive tree-growing activity in response to climate change.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said Thursday he has ordered native trees from Mindanao and he was seeking donations of native tree seedlings.

“I have been ordering native trees up to Mindanao. Some that arrived are only six inches tall, while some are higher. We need a lot, and donations of native tree seedlings are most welcome,” he said.

The city government has in its nursery some 12,000 seedlings of various species of native trees, and has already planted around 35,000 in open spaces under the Urban Tree Planting Program.

“The area with the hottest heat index is the Diversion Road according to the gauges, which were installed for us by Manila Observatory. Let’s make Iloilo City greener with more native trees,” the mayor added.

Executive Assistant for Environment Armando Dayrit, in an interview, said native trees attract biodiversity and they make the temperature cooler.

Preparations for this year are ongoing, starting at the Diversion Road, where “Dita” species will replace Royal Palm trees previously planted in the area.

Dayrit said he is also targeting planting trees on small corner roads. They have already planted areas from Barangays Sooc to Calahunan in Mandurriao district, and also in vacant areas in Molo.

“We need to have at least 30 percent canopy in Iloilo City. Right now, we are at around 10 percent,” he said.

In a previous interview, General Services Office head engineer Neil Ravena said the tree-growing activities will be formalized this June.

They target to plant native and fruit-bearing trees in private subdivisions, floodways, roadsides, Esplanade, and beach forests in Barangay Boulevard.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources already donated 3,000 tree seedlings of various species to the city. (PNA)