Green Buildings and Open Spaces: Mayor Jerry Treñas

Submitted by manager on Fri, 09/17/2021 - 02:05

Liveable cities

Published on August 25, 2021

PARTNERSHIPS FOR A LIVEABLE ILOILO CITY

Situated in the heart of the Philippine archipelago, Iloilo is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. However, it is also home to the Ilonggos who face the risks brought by natural and human-induced hazards.

To address this, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas shared their collective efforts in creating a resilient and sustainable city amidst the socio-economic challenges brought about by the pandemic. With rapid urbanization, Iloilo continues to embark on a massive tree planting and environment-friendly activities.

The city expanded its communal urban vegetable garden project called the “ediscape” or edible landscape. One year after the program was launched in 12 barangays in August last year, 36 more villages joined in, this time integrating farming with fishery and poultry. The updated comprehensive land use plan is also being finalized to keep track with improvements and competitiveness of the vibrant and liveable metropolis.

Other green projects currently implemented and in the pipeline include:

1. Iloilo Beach Forest - a 3-hectare project to be implemented in partnership with DENR and DPWH

2. Iloilo City Tree Park - a 3-hectare tree park in Jaro that will be planted with endemic trees

3. Green Tunnels - situated along the bike lanes in Diversion Road

4. Mini-forest - to be built in the open spaces in subdivisions

5. Mangrove Eco Park - a 35-hectare mangrove forest development in La Paz with support from DENR and a private company.

Tree planting and coastal clean-up continue to be part of the efforts to mitigate climate change, as the city was looking at harnessing more renewable energy.

Mayor Jerry Treñas concluded by underscoring the importance of LGU and private sector collaboration in building progress, green and sustainable communities.

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