Manila to plant 100,000 bamboo trees along major roads for flood control
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso inspects the center island along Roxas Boulevard on Tuesday after it was cleared and planted with bamboo trees to create a greener and more visually appealing environment for the public. The pilot planting, led by Manila South Cemetery Director John Mark Mendez and city staff, is part of the city’s flood control and environmental program, which aims to plant an initial 100,000 bamboo trees along Roxas Boulevard, R-10, and other major roads in Manila. (Photo courtesy of ManilaPIO)
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has ordered the planting of an initial 100,000 bamboo trees along Roxas Boulevard, R-10, and other major thoroughfares as part of the city government’s flood control and environmental protection program.
Domagoso announced the initiative during a management committee meeting on Monday, Jan. 19, saying the bamboo trees will be planted along riverbanks to help reinforce soil and reduce the impact of flooding during the rainy season.
“We are doing a reinforcement in the riverside by planting bamboos all over the banks, so it will help [control] the flood water that we're going to suffer again,” Domagoso said.
The mayor acknowledged that flooding remains a persistent problem in Manila, particularly during the wet season, but expressed optimism that the bamboo planting project would help mitigate rising water levels.
Aside from flood control, Domagoso said the program is also expected to contribute to improved air quality and environmental sustainability in the city.
“The people of Manila deserve better things from their government, so that's now our policy: 100,000 trees,” he added.
The bamboo planting initiative forms part of the city’s broader environmental and disaster risk reduction strategy.