Iloilo city: The local government is set to transform the Diversion Road in the Mandurriao district into a 'green corridor' by planting 10,000 native trees. General Services Office head Neil Ravena emphasized that the high heat index in the area necessitates a long-term and sustainable solution beyond temporary measures like cooling stations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ravena stated the green corridor aims to create a cooler, greener, and more walkable space, enhancing biodiversity, stormwater management, air quality, urban aesthetics, pedestrian comfort, and overall climate resilience. Native tree species have been identified to thrive in the 4-kilometer stretch from Gen. Luna to Ungka in Jaro district.

Ravena highlighted that initial tree planting began under former Mayor Jerry Tre±as, with around 2,000 native trees currently lining the Diversion Road. The plan includes additional planting to provide more shade, particularly for the bike lane, promoting biking at any time of the day.

The local government has requested 100,000 native and fruit-bearing trees from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to be planted across Iloilo City, including the Diversion Road. Seedlings retrieval from the DENR nursery in Tangalan, Aklan, will commence on May 29, with planting scheduled for July. However, the plan may be adjusted based on the El Ni±o conditions to ensure a high survival rate of the trees.