Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso was given due recognition by the Million Trees Foundation and the bamboo sector on Thursday, Feb. 19, for his administration's 100,000-bamboo tree planting program as part of the city government's expanded efforts in mitigating flooding and promoting environmental sustainability.

Domagoso met the foundation's delegation led by Million Trees Foundation President Melandrew Velasco at the city hall where they referred to the mayor as a "bamboo champion" for the initiative as the bamboo industry is seeking a visible advocate to promote large-scale adoption, particularly in highly urbanized areas.

Last Jan. 19, the mayor ordered the planting of an initial 100,000 bamboo trees along Roxas Boulevard, R-10, and other major roads as part of Manila’s flood control and environmental policy to reinforce riverbanks and help cushion floodwaters 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,” he said.

Domagoso added that while flooding remains a concern during the wet season, bamboo growth could help reduce water levels and improve air quality in the city.

Representatives from the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council also said they have scientists and experts who could serve as resource persons, following the Domagoso's announcement of the large-scale planting initiative.

“The people of Manila deserve better things from their government, so that's now our policy: 100,000 bamboo trees,” Domagoso noted.

Aside from the 100,000-bamboo tree planting project, the city government proactively conducts cleaning and clearing operations of its waterways to prevent flooding and the spread of diseases due to the accumulated trash in the bodies of water.

An expanded cleanup program of Manila's waterways is also being planned in partnership with the local and national government, as well as the private sector.

During an inter-agency technical working group meeting last Feb. 12, officials of the city government, which include the City Legal Office, Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), Manila Barangay Bureau (MBB), Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and Department of Environment and Public Services (DEPS), met with representatives from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to discuss plans for the initiative.

"Kabilang sa mga target na lilinisin ang Maligaya Creek hanggang Sunog Apog, Estero patungong Tutuban, Estero de Sampaloc hanggang Ilog Pasig, at Estero de Valencia. Tinalakay din ang ilang proyekto ng NLEX na posibleng matamaan ang ilang lugar sa Lungsod ng Maynila (Waterways that are targeted to be cleaned include Maligaya Creek to Sunog Apog, Estero to Tutuban, Estero de Sampaloc to Pasig River, and Estero de Valencia. Also discussed were several NLEX projects that could potentially affect certain areas in the City of Manila)," Domagoso said.