The local government here has formed a task force to coordinate and oversee tree-planting efforts across the city, ensuring a more strategic and organized approach.

At a press conference on Monday, Mayor Jerry Treñas said tree-planting initiatives in the city are a hodgepodge, thus the need for a comprehensive plan.

To streamline these efforts, Treñas said different offices in the city government engaged in the initiatives should be included in the task force to be headed by the City Planning and Development Office.

One of the key initiatives is planting trees along bike lanes, particularly from Barangay Sambag in Jaro district, to provide shade and encourage walking and cycling.

“We will have an inventory of the places where we can still plant. They will be preparing a plan for that so our city will be beautiful,” he said.

Targeted areas include Sunset Boulevard, circumferential roads, floodways, Esplanade, bike lanes, and open spaces in subdivisions and schools.

The task force is expected to finalize the plan by June 30, before Treñas steps down from office on July 1.

The city government currently has around 14,000 tree seedlings available at its nursery. (PNA)