In addition to the Busol and Botanical garden greenhouses, more tree nurseries and a tree laboratory will be constructed for the nurturing various plant species.
City Environment and Parks Management Office forester Floro Bastian said an earlier constructed tree nursery worth P1.9 million can accommodate more than 8,000 tree seedlings.
Another greenhouse is being constructed and can accommodate at least 10,000 seedlings.
This is in addition to the Busol and Botanical greenhouses.
A tree laboratory to nurture indigenous and endangered species will also be constructed and is a need to propagate seedless tree varieties in a scientific environment.
A lecture shed will be provided for students and interested individuals.
The additional tree houses are part of Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s agenda for a livable city and green environment pursuant to the Green, Green, Green program of the national government.
The facilities are expected to meet the tree seedling demand from June to September, which is the planting season, with some civil society groups arranging their forthcoming activities that needed tree seedlings with the Cepmo.
Bastian said they targeted to plant 6,000 trees annually before the pandemic. For 2020 and 2021, Cepmo personnel cleared planting areas and replaced dead or sick seedlings at city parks.
For 2022, the 10,000 target was surpassed when groups, agencies, and offices planted 2,000 more tree seedlings in areas identified by the Cepmo.
Benguet pine, narra, weeping willow/bottle brush, cypress, coffee and several fruit bearing seedlings are being grown in the green houses and provided for free to planters.
The Green, Green, Green program of the Department of Budget Management was launched in 2018 to help make cities livable and sustainable. Pocket forest parks and arboretum are recommended in urban areas with various works such as landscaping, installation of eco-friendly streetlight fixtures and shades; accessibility of the public through bike lanes, walk ways, and green infrastructure, as aid during the rainy season to lessen flooding.
The program is also known as the Public Open Spaces Assistance Program.– Julie G. Fianza
